Unions Face Crossroads for Heat Protections Absent Federal Rule
Delivery drivers and other unionized workers are pressing for stronger heat protections as scorching summer temperatures continue to put employees at risk. The Teamsters accuse UPS of lagging far behind its pledge to add air conditioning to 28,000 vehicles, saying only about 10% have been delivered. While some labor contracts now include heat safety measures, coverage remains rare, and advocates argue a federal standard is still needed. The Biden-era heat rule under review would require protections starting at an 80-degree heat index, but business groups say it’s too broad and costly. Without a specific regulation, OSHA relies on a general duty clause to cite employers, an approach often challenged in court.
See "Unions Face Crossroads for Heat Protections Absent Federal Rule", Tre'Vaughn Howard, Bloomberg Law News, August 13, 2025