Paid Leave During Extreme Weather Events
Spain has officially approved a new “climate leave” policy that grants workers up to four days of paid leave during extreme weather conditions. The Council of Ministers passed this legislation to protect employees from the dangers posed by climate-related disasters, ensuring they can prioritize their safety during catastrophic weather events.
Nationwide Implementation Following a Successful Trial
The climate leave initiative previously underwent testing in regions hit hard by the recent DANA weather incident in October. Following its success in those areas, the policy will now be implemented across the country. The law safeguards the rights of workers who cannot report to work due to severe weather warnings or other environmental catastrophes affecting their safety.
Details of the Climate Leave Policy
Under the new law, if civil protection agencies issue directives advising people to stay indoors due to hazardous conditions, affected employees can take the specified four days of paid leave. Yolanda Díaz, the Second Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Labour and Social Economy, emphasized that Spain is establishing a “genuine climate leave” for the first time in history. Furthermore, employers are required to acknowledge these permits even if they hesitate to grant them.
Employer Responsibilities and Action Plans
The newly adopted regulations mandate that companies establish specific risk prevention measures for extreme weather events. Employers must inform their workers about these plans as soon as a disaster alert arises. In situations of significant danger, companies will be obligated to halt operations until the threat subsides, allowing employees to navigate extreme weather safely.
Tailored Strategies for Varied Work Environments
Each company has a year to develop action plans suited to their specific risks, as the dangers differ among industries. For instance, workers in construction face different climate threats than those in an office environment. Minister Díaz noted that this tailored approach ensures appropriate protocols are in place, akin to existing guidelines for addressing gender violence and LGBTI-related issues in the workplace. This strategic focus aims to enhance worker safety in the face of escalating climate risks across Spain.
SOURCE: Ref Image from Euractiv
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