PRINTER'S NO. 1714
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA
HOUSE RESOLUTION
No.
159
Session of
2023
INTRODUCED BY GIRAL, SMITH-WADE-EL, WAXMAN, SANCHEZ AND
GALLAGHER, JUNE 23, 2023
REFERRED TO COMMITTEE ON LABOR AND INDUSTRY, JUNE 23, 2023
A RESOLUTION
Condemning elected members who believe that the mistreatment of
workers, including the elimination of water breaks in high-
temperature conditions, is acceptable.
WHEREAS, The recent passage of House Bill No. 2127 by the
Texas Legislature and its subsequent approval by Governor Greg
Abbott has eliminated local rules and ordinances mandating water
breaks for construction workers; and
WHEREAS, The elimination of these important regulations
undermines the safety and well-being of construction workers,
particularly in a state like Texas, where high temperatures pose
a serious health risk; and
WHEREAS, The supporters of this law argue that it will
eliminate a supposed patchwork of local rules and ordinances and
reduce burdensome regulations on businesses, but fail to
acknowledge the human cost of such measures; and
WHEREAS, Data from the United States Bureau of Labor
Statistics show that Texas has the highest number of heat-
related deaths among workers and these numbers are likely
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underreported; and
WHEREAS, The impact of this law disproportionately affects
Latino construction workers who make up a significant portion of
the workforce in Texas; and
WHEREAS, Extreme heat waves are becoming increasingly
dangerous due to climate change and the elimination of mandated
water breaks further exacerbates the risks faced by workers; and
WHEREAS, Workers' unions and rights advocates have voiced
concerns regarding the potential increase in heat-related deaths
if water breaks are no longer mandated; and
WHEREAS, Proponents of House Bill No. 2127 suggest that
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations
are sufficient to ensure worker safety, disregarding the fact
that OSHA does not have a national standard for heat-related
illnesses; and
WHEREAS, The former head of OSHA, David Michaels, contends
that local rules and ordinances are crucial for saving lives and
that without them, workers will be severely injured or killed;
and
WHEREAS, The elimination of local rules and ordinances does
not only affect the safety and well-being of workers, but also
undermines the power of local governments to protect and serve
their constituents; therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives condemn elected
members who believe that the mistreatment of workers, including
the elimination of water breaks in high-temperature conditions,
is acceptable; and be it further
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives express its deep
frustration and disappointment with elected members who have
supported and enacted legislation that eliminates critical
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worker protections; and be it further
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives call upon elected
members to recognize the importance of local regulations in
safeguarding workers and to reject any attempts to override
local rules and ordinances for the sake of supposed business
interests; and be it further
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives stand united in
our commitment to advocate for the rights of workers and demand
better treatment, firmly believing that no worker should be
denied basic rights and protections in the pursuit of their
livelihoods.
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