During an Extreme Texas Heat Wave, Gov. Abbott Ended Local Rules Requiring Water Breaks for Workers
Amid a dangerous heatwave that has brought blistering temperatures across Texas, the state’s governor signed a law last week eliminating local rules requiring water breaks for workers.
The measure, which will take effect later this year, will nullify ordinances enacted by Austin and Dallas that mandate 10-minute breaks for construction workers every four hours. It also prevents any other local governments from passing similar worker protections.
Just days after Greg Abbott, the governor, ratified the law, officials said a 35-year-old utility lineman working to restore power in Marshall, Texas, died after experiencing symptoms of heat illness. The heat index—which takes into account both the temperature and humidity—was 100F while he was working.
It was an omen of what could come after HB 2127 takes effect in September, wrote the Texas branch of the AFL-CIO union, referring to the far-reaching law that not only curbs cities’ right to enact worker protections, but a number of labor, agriculture, natural resources, and finance measures. “Banning required rest breaks for construction workers in the Texas heat is deadly.”
The law’s passage has enraged workers’ advocates, who warn that it will result in even more heat-related deaths and illnesses in a state that already tallies the highest number of worker deaths due to high temperatures.
https://www.motherjones.com/politics/2023/06/during-an-extreme-texas-heat-wave-gov-abbott-ended-local-rules-requiring-water-breaks-for-workers/
Not to mention that the heat would be even more dangerous for him, the paralyzed SOB...but I'm sure he never gets out of the A/C for one second!
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Hmm, maybe right-wing intolerance and worship of the traitorous orange menace are to blame?
