Community leaders called on Thursday, July 13, in front of the state Capitol, for the adoption of mandatory standards against heat stress, greater job protections, and public spending focused on worker well-being.
Under the slogan “Protect workers, not profits,” the press conference addressed the vulnerability faced by employees in sectors such as the Agriculture and construction.
Studies reveal that outdoor workers in agriculture and construction face a risk up to 35 times greater North Carolina has a higher risk of dying from heat exposure than the average worker in the United States. However, there is no state law or regulation in North Carolina establishing heat safety standards for workers in these sectors.
They demand that workplace health be prioritized over corporate profits.
Xitlali Gómez, a Community Building intern at the NC Budget & Tax Center, emphasized the urgency of establishing regulations in response to climate changeFurthermore, he questioned the state budget priorities.
“Faced with extreme heat and droughts, those who work outdoors for hours are exposed to dangerous conditions,” Gómez said.
“Despite these threats, North Carolina does not have a workplace heat standard that requires essential measures such as written heat illness prevention plans, paid cooling breaks, or access to free drinking water,” he added.
Gomez said that strengthening the labor rights It directly benefits regional growth.
“Instead of prioritizing massive tax breaks for corporations, our legislators should focus on the well-being of all workers, regardless of their immigration status, so that North Carolina can truly prosper,” Gomez said.
Extreme heat can endanger the lives of those who work outdoors. How to prevent heat stroke, recognize its symptoms, and know the rights that protect workers exposed to high temperatures.
La Guide for Agricultural Workers It gathers information on labor rights, working conditions, support resources, and practical guidance for those who work in the fields in North Carolina.
Protective equipment and paid breaks for the field
For her part, Esmeralda Juárez, Community Access Specialist at NC Field, shared her testimony after starting to work in tobacco fields at the age of 13.
“I think it was a difficult time, but it helped me become the person I am today. I’m here because I want things to change for the better in our community. Without them, we wouldn’t have food, vegetables, or fruit on the table,” Juárez told Enlace Latino NC .
Juárez advocated for paid leave longer periods and the mandatory provision of personal protective equipment by employers.
“We would like the bosses to provide protective equipment: sleeves, caps, hats, boots, masks, and plastic gowns to cover themselves when the tobacco is wet in the mornings,” he added.
You may be interested: “Not one more life”: Migrant workers in North Carolina demand heat protection
High temperatures and anti-immigrant laws threaten the economy
Andressia Ramírez, manager of Advocacy and Civic Participation at Casa Azul de Wilson, brought to light the severe conditions in the workers' camps with H-2A visas.
“In North Carolina we still don’t have a heat standard like in other states,” Ramírez told Enlace Latino NC .
Ramírez recounted seeing sick farmworkers recovering under trees in temperatures nearing 100 degrees Fahrenheit. This was because they lacked air conditioning in their homes. He also denounced the impact of the political climate on the undocumented workforce.
Ramírez warned about the fear generated by legislation and SB 153 lawThis law requires four state agencies, including the highway patrol, to hold 287(g) agreements with ICE.
“If these things keep happening anti-immigrant laws“There will be many workers afraid to go to work,” he concluded. “It’s not a dignified way to live, especially when thanks to them agriculture remains one of the biggest economic drivers of our state.”
Republish our stories for free on your website or newspaper. We follow the Creative Commons license. Click the box and follow the instructions.
