Thirst strike at US Capitol to call for national heat protections after Texas plans to ban water breaks for workers
The IndependentSign up to the Independent Climate email for the latest advice on saving the planet Get our free Climate email Get our free Climate email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy A thirst strike is taking place at the US Capitol on Tuesday to demand that President Joe Biden issue federal protections for workers during extreme heat, and safeguard their right to rest, shade and water breaks. The protest was led by Congressman Greg Casar, a Democrat from Austin, alongside civil rights leader Dolores Huerta, labour unions and climate groups as Texas Governor Greg Abbott prepares to eliminate local protections which require water breaks for workers. “I’m on thirst strike today because families across Texas and across America deserve dignity on the job,” said Congressman Casar. Now Texas’ House Bill 2127, which has been referred to as the “Death Star bill”, will ban rest and water breaks across the state from 1 September.
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