At
least one construction worker has died from the brutal
heatwave that recently gripped the state of Texas.
But
rather than increasing protections for outdoor workers,
the state's governor Greg
Abbott just banned protections for regular water
breaks.
Under
the recent heat wave, temperatures climbed as high as
120 degrees Fahrenheit. This
trend of blistering temperatures is far from over. Due
to climate change, these conditions are worsening and
becoming more frequent.
Previously,
some local ordinances mandated giving construction
workers 15 minute breaks to drink water every four hours
— which is already the bare minimum. In the new bill
signed by the governor, this practice is banned,
and municipalities cannot even pass loopholes or similar
policies.
This
decision puts workers at even greater risk for heat
stroke, heart attack, numerous other severe illnesses,
and death.
If legislators in
Texas have even an ounce of compassion, they will
immediately overturn this inhumane law. Sign the
petition now to help protect workers in the
state!