MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, Fla. – A proposed Miami-Dade County law that would focus on agricultural and construction workers, ensuring employers are providing workers necessary access to water and resting breaks during extreme heat, is being scrutinized by those who oppose it.
Oscar Londoño is the co-executive director of WeCount, a nonprofit organization based in Homestead that advocates for the rights of immigrant workers and families.
“It’s moral and it’s right,” Londoño said. “For two and half years, outdoor workers, joined by students, doctors, nurses, labor unions, have all been saying that it’s time to give workers water shade and rest.”
A major component, they say, is education, teaching employers and workers the benefits of reduced heat exposure.
“It’s demonstrated that from a time of a heat index of 90 and above, productivity can drop up to 50-to-80% if you don’t provide adequate hydration and rest breaks,” said Miami-Dade County Chief Heat Officer Jane Gilbert.
But there is growing opposition to the proposed regulations.
Arianna de Oña is the general counsel for Costa Farms, part of a group of seven construction and agricultural organizations who do not believe this regulation is needed.
“We as an industry should have a seat at the table,” de Oña said.
They said they’re deeply concerned about the new agency in the county.
“And that agency will be funded by the fines it imposes. We think there is very big conflict in that,” said de Oña. “OSHA is also, since this past summer, working on coming up with new heat standards. Let’s let those play out.”
In fact, about a week ago, billionaire developer Jorge Perez co-wrote an opinion piece in the Miami Herald where he argues the heat ordinance is being, “pushed forward by well-funded, politically linked activist organizations and without any notice to our industries,” adding that, “regulations that would be duplicative of those already enforced nationally by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).”
“We know that billionaires and paid lobbyists are trying to block this,” said Londoño. “But we understand that there are significantly more people in Miami-Dade who understand this issue makes sense.”
Londoño said OSHA simply doesn’t have the power, resources or staffing to address the issue.
The issue will be brought to the Miami-Dade County Commission during a meeting on Nov. 7.