Council News

By: Jaime Smith, Marketing & Communications Director

Photo: Jaime Smith/CSCRC

Friday, July 28, 2023

Temperatures in Texas have been at record levels all summer. As temperatures rise, we need to ensure workers are protected from the heat. This year alone, a U.S. Postal Service employee in Dallas died while on his route in 115-degree heat. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, Texas has experienced more heat-related worker deaths than any other state over the last decade. 

In June, Gov. Abbott of Texas signed a preemptive bill prohibiting local governments from giving their workers water breaks with the specific intent of overturning existing ordinances in Austin and Dallas that require workers to receive 10-minute water breaks every four hours. 

The vigil and thirst strike, led by Congressional Representative Greg Casar, was a way to advocate for our workers' right to fair working conditions. We were joined by other unions and politicians urging the president to take action to prevent additional casualties. 

Others who supported Casar included Jasmine Granillo, the sister of Roendy Granillo, a 25-year-old construction worker who died from heat stroke in Dallas in 2015 after being denied a water break, and legendary labor leader and civil rights activist Dolores Huerta, who demanded an end to Gov. Greg Abbott’s “policies against the people of Texas.”

Just two days later, President Biden announced new actions to protect workers and communities from extreme heat. 

If you or someone you know are interested in getting involved to ensure workers' rights are protected, please contact your local representative, or stop by your local union office.

Visit https://www.centralsouthcarpenters.org/Locals for Local Union contact information.