The State Duma has put forward a measure to legalize a rule that allows shortening the working day in Russian companies when extreme weather conditions hit. This initiative is reported by Rossiyskaya Gazeta, which cites a draft law prepared by the government of the Russian Federation and intended to address gaps in how working hours are handled during severe heat and cold. This move signals a shift toward clearer protections for workers and a mechanism for employers to adjust schedules without attracting disputes over pay and productivity.
The proposal has been forwarded to the Russian Trilateral Commission, with plans to revise the Labor Code accordingly. According to Deputy Chairman of the State Duma Bris Chernyshov, who authored the initiative, the current edition of the labor regulations does not include explicit rules for operating under extremely high or low temperatures. The aim is to establish a formal framework that governs reductions in working time when weather makes normal conditions unsafe or uncomfortable for staff. This is not about skipping work; it is about safeguarding health while preserving fair compensation within the constraints of the law.
There is a real-world tension between employer decisions and worker expectations. Some bosses issue idle orders when they cannot technically order a reduction in hours, which leaves employees effectively on the payroll with limited productivity. In practice, many workers still receive two-thirds of their salary if hours are curtailed, but in other cases employees continue their duties under pressure. A survey conducted by Zarplata.ru reveals that 43% of employees reported that employers do not reduce working hours when temperatures swing to extremes, highlighting a meaningful gap between policy and practice. This underscores the potential value of a formal rule that clarifies when and how hours should be shortened to protect health and safety.
The parliamentarian emphasized the importance of ensuring every employee has access to fair working conditions and closing the gap in labor legislation that affects how weather-related risks are managed in the workplace. By codifying the right to shorter hours during dangerous temperature conditions, the draft law aims to reduce disputes and improve compliance across industries, from manufacturing floors to service-oriented workplaces. This aligns with broader efforts to modernize labor standards in a way that recognizes the realities of climate variability and its impact on productivity.
Rospotrebnadzor, the consumer health watchdog, has issued recommendations on permissible air temperatures for various work categories. When temperatures threaten safety, management should take steps to minimize harmful exposure and adjust the work schedule accordingly. Specifically, if indoor temperatures reach 28.5 degrees Celsius, a one-hour reduction in the workday is advised; at 29 degrees, two hours; and at 30.5 degrees, four hours. In hot conditions, employers are also urged to provide drinking water in line with departmental guidance. Outdoor work at 32.5 degrees Celsius or higher requires protective clothing or heavier fabrics to ensure worker safety. These guidelines are designed to help employers act decisively rather than drift into ad hoc arrangements that leave staff vulnerable.
Alexander Safonov, a professor at the Financial University under the Government of the Russian Federation, noted that Rospotrebnadzor’s recommendations are sometimes not followed, a reality the new law seeks to address. By anchoring temperature-based adjustments in statute, officials hope to create predictable and enforceable standards that protect health without compromising essential business operations. The discussion reflects a broader trend toward aligning public health guidance with labor policy, a move that could influence how Canadian and American companies think about climate-related workforce management as well, given cross-border exposure to similar weather risks.
There has also been regional political talk about siesta-style breaks in some parts of the country as a response to heat and heat-related fatigue. The idea of formal pauses during the hottest part of the day has floated in other policy discussions and could influence how a national standard might look if adopted. The current debate remains focused on translating health and safety concerns into clear labor protections, with enforcement that keeps pace with evolving climate realities.