Barcelona street sweeper dies of heatstroke sparking Southern Europe labor protests over climate change

A 51-year-old Barcelona street sweeper, Montse Aguilar, died from heatstroke in June 2025 during a severe heatwave, sparking widespread labor unrest across Southern Europe. The incident, which occurred amid record-breaking temperatures, has intensified calls for stronger protections for outdoor workers, with unions emphasizing the deadly impact of climate change on labor conditions. Over 12 city cleaners have reported heat-related illnesses since Aguilar’s death, prompting protests in Barcelona where workers marched with banners demanding recognition of extreme heat as a form of workplace violence [1].

The Barcelona City Hall responded by imposing new safety measures, including breathable uniforms, hourly water breaks at 34°C (93°F), and work suspensions above 40°C (104°F). However, workers claim these policies are inconsistently enforced. Supervisors allegedly penalize employees for taking breaks, and many report being forced to purchase their own water. Antonia Rodríguez, a 56-year-old cleaner with 23 years of experience, stated that “each year the heat is worse,” underscoring growing frustration [1]. FCC Medio Ambiente, the company employing Aguilar, declined to comment on the grievances but reiterated its commitment to heat-safety training in a previous statement [1].

Spain’s Carlos III Health Institute reported over 1,000 excess deaths in June and July due to extreme heat, linking the trend to climate change. Diana Gómez, head of the institute’s mortality observatory, stressed that rising temperatures are exacerbating public health crises. Meanwhile, unions and the International Labor Organization (ILO) are pushing for coordinated international action, with the ILO describing heat stress as an “invisible killer” and urging stricter protections for workers in Europe and Central Asia, where heat exposure has surged this century [1].

In Greece, labor regulations mandate breaks for outdoor workers like construction and food delivery staff, but unions argue for year-round heat-safety monitoring. Athens grill cook Thomas Siamandas, working in 38°C (100.4°F) conditions, described daily precautions such as air-conditioned breaks and hydration. Despite these efforts, he noted the physical toll of extreme heat. Similarly, in Rome, tour guides like Massimo De Filippis face hazards at the sunbaked Roman Forum. Federagit, the national tour guide federation, has petitioned for earlier opening hours to avoid midday heat, but the Colosseum Archaeological Park has only proposed a 30-minute adjustment and late-night visits [1].

The crisis highlights systemic vulnerabilities in labor policies as Southern Europe confronts increasingly harsh summers. Unions argue that economic growth and climate adaptation must be balanced with worker safety, particularly for those in essential but hazardous roles. While cities implement emergency measures, the lack of consistent enforcement and long-term policy shifts remains a critical barrier. The death of Aguilar has become a focal point for broader debates about climate justice, with Southern Europe serving as a stark example of the human cost of unregulated heat exposure.

Sources: [1] [title: Death of 51-year-old Barcelona street sweeper from heatstroke stirs labor unrest in Southern Europe] [url: https://fortune.com/2025/07/24/southern-europe-tourism-heat-wave-street-sweepers-protest-labor/]