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Recently, Acting Secretary of Labor Julie Su met with Arizona workers who are facing the harsh reality of extreme heat on the job. A round table discussion hosted by labor unions in Tempe shed light on the challenges these workers are facing.
Representatives from various unions, particularly those working in airports and airlines, shared their experiences with Su. Imari Heard, an airport worker with the Communications Workers of America, highlighted the grueling conditions workers face, with temperatures reaching upwards of 130 degrees.
Flight attendant Alana Billingsly recounted instances where she witnessed her colleagues struggling in the scorching heat and took it upon herself to offer support by providing water.
Acting Secretary Su emphasized the severity of heat-related issues, noting that heat is responsible for more deaths than hurricanes, floods, and tornadoes combined. This has led the Biden administration to propose a rule through the Department of Labor to establish federal heat standards for workers, ensuring their safety and well-being.
While awaiting public approval, the City of Phoenix has already implemented its own heat standards for workers. Su expressed her support for these long-awaited measures, highlighting the importance of this initiative.
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