Protesters Rally Against Texas Construction: Washington Protesters from various sectors, including construction, airport baggage, postal workers, and more, gathered outside the Capitol on Tuesday. They were joined by labor unions and politicians in a vigil and thirst strike to voice their opposition to Texas Gov. Greg Abbott‘s recent restriction on construction worker water breaks.
The Death Star Texas Regulatory Consistency Act, signed by the Republican governor, aimed to replace the patchwork of county and municipal regulations with a single set of consistent rules. While supporters argued that it would streamline regulations, businesses and the construction industry were among its strongest supporters. However, this new act has raised concerns, particularly in light of a record-breaking heatwave that claimed at least 13 lives in the state.
Under the act, cities are no longer able to regulate various aspects, including agriculture, natural resources, finance, labor, and water breaks, in order to prevent heat-related issues. This has led to distress among workers who face triple-digit temperatures, with worries about the well-being of state workers in such extreme conditions.
Texas Democrat Greg Casar, the organizer of this week’s protest, wrote to temporary Labor Secretary Julie Su, urging the drafting and implementation of federal rest and water break requirements to combat occupational heat sickness and fatalities.
Protesters, including civil rights activist Dolores Huerta, fasted from 10:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., demanding national action to reject Abbott’s plan and show solidarity with Texas workers, particularly those working outdoors. Huerta, who co-founded La Unión with Cesar Chávez, drew parallels to the 1960s California farmworkers’ strikes protesting unsafe working conditions, lack of job security, access to lavatories, and midday water breaks.
Progressive figures such as Sen. Bernie Sanders, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, and The Squad expressed support for the march, along with Senate candidates Katie Porter and Ro Khanna. However, concerns linger that corporate interests could erode national norms, resulting in delayed protections and potential harm to workers.
Jasmine and Daisy Granillo, sisters of a worker who tragically passed away, passionately led the gathering. They shared their brother’s heartbreaking experience of working in unventilated conditions with temperatures in the upper 90s, where water breaks were prohibited. Tragically, their efforts to advocate for water breaks were met with resistance, and they hope to prevent such suffering for others in the future.
The protest brought attention to the serious health risks posed by working in extreme heat. Taylor Critendon, a critical care nurse from Austin’s Ascension Seton Medical Center, highlighted the impact of hot dehydration on the body, leading to increased heart rate, lower blood pressure, and potential fainting. Critendon emphasized the importance of hydration and warned that waiting for thirst to strike is a late sign of dehydration.
Tania Chavez Camacho, president, and executive director of La Unión del Pueblo Entero, participated in the hunger and thirst strike, shedding light on the plight of South Texas migrant farmworkers turned construction union members. She emphasized that the experience of working in extreme heat is arduous and continuous for construction workers.
As activists continue their fight for a national outdoor worker heat standard, the crucial issue of workers’ well-being in extreme weather conditions remains a pressing concern.
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What is the construction on I 35 South Austin?
The I-35 expansion will include two new HOV managed lanes in both directions from SH 71/Ben White Boulevard to SH 45 Southeast.
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Event permits are required for protests and marches, and approval from the local government may be necessary. Here is a compilation of information on obtaining event permits for major cities in Texas.