In 2026, we experienced yet another wave of record-braking extreme weather. There have been five widespread heatwaves, over May, June, July and August, including one that lasted for three weeks in some locations. The country has been devastated by droughts, wildfires and hosepipes bans were in place in many areas.

For workers, that often meant working in excruciating temperatures in factories, kitchen, public transports or schools, putting their Health & Safety at risk. But the resistance is growing:

• over 175,000 people have signed petitions calling maximum workplace temperatures
• over 1000 people including teachers, bus drivers and bakers took part in the first ever national Heat Strike event during the unprecedented deadly heatwave in June.
• More than 1,000 UK schools closed or sent pupils home early during the June 2026 heatwaves.
• Firefighters had to battle with 966 wildfires recorded across England and Wales
• Arriva bus drivers in North London went on a legal strike at the end of August and won to force their employer to install air conditioning units.
• Workers at the V&A have been striking about pay and also included access to drinking water at their warehouses as part of their dispute

Check out the Heat Strike Instagram to view all the activities that took place.

What lessons have we learnt from the 2026 Summer? How do we keep the momentum to win the Heat Strike demands on maximum workplace temperatures, put in place heatwaves furlough schemes and for the government to make a serious climate action plan?

Join us for this online event, hear from workers on the frontline, share your experiences of the heatwaves and their impact on your workplace and plan for the future.

We will hear testimonies from the Arriva North London bus drivers who took strike action, reps from the National Education Union whose schools had to close and from other workers affected, a rep from the Fire Brigades Union who have been on the frontline of heatwaves and wildfires and a health worker.