Labor law: Can I refuse to work in the cold?
If the prescribed minimum temperatures at the workplace are not met, employees should protect their health. This is what needs to be done.
Employees who find their workplace too cold in winter should complain to their supervisor or HR department to protect their health. If a workplace safety specialist is designated, they should be contacted first. If the employer does not respond adequately to concerns, employees can also contact the works council or the relevant union, such as ver.di.
In cases of acute health risk due to cold temperatures, employees may be able to refuse work, but should first seek advice from their union or a labour law expert to avoid potential consequences such as lost pay or further disciplinary action.
Written by urgent.news from Handelsblatt's report — not a translation of it. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
