Lisbon is taking steps to protect its outdoor workers from extreme heat, with a proposal to adjust working hours for street cleaners and waste collectors. The initiative, put forward by the PAN party, aims to create a protection plan for municipal employees who work outdoors, especially during periods of severe heat.
The proposal was approved by the Lisbon Municipal Assembly on July 8, despite opposition from the PCP and Chega parties. It comes in response to a recent heatwave that saw temperatures in Lisbon exceed 40°C, raising concerns about the health and safety of workers exposed to such extreme conditions.
António Valente, a PAN deputy, described it as "unacceptable and inhumane" to have people working outdoors in such temperatures. He highlighted the risks faced by workers in urban cleaning, green space maintenance, and waste collection, pointing to similar protective measures already in place in Spain.
Tragic incidents in Spain and Italy have underscored the dangers of extreme heat for outdoor workers. In Barcelona, a 51-year-old cleaner died after collapsing at home following her shift, with her family suspecting heatstroke as the cause. Meanwhile, in Italy, a 47-year-old construction worker died after fainting under the scorching sun.
Opposition to the proposal came from the PCP, which criticized the lack of negotiation with workers' unions, and Chega, which dismissed the initiative as part of a "new climate change narrative."
The proposal emphasizes the increasing frequency of heatwaves and the need for action plans to reduce the risk of death and other harms associated with extreme weather conditions.
Comments
Join Our Community
Sign up to share your thoughts, engage with others, and become part of our growing community.
No comments yet
Be the first to share your thoughts and start the conversation!