Food & Climate
From Eulalia who picked cucumbers in temps spiking to 105–115 degrees (41–46 C) in a California greenhouse, to Romualda who put more food on the table and in her fridge and pay her rent on time which was always a challenge, after raising wages, the food workers fights are going to continue in USA and the world.
In July, the U.S. Department of Labor proposed a new rule regarding unreasonably hot working conditions, but it has not yet been formally adopted and enacted.
The proposed rule would protect about around 36 million workers in both indoor and outdoor settings, according to a report seen by “Food & Climate” platform.
It’s shameful that many food system workers across the globe are not shown even basic levels of care when it comes to heat. “Every significant heat-safety regulation in America at the state and now federal level was written in the blood of farm workers,” said United Farm Workers President Teresa Romero, according to “foodtank”.
Another reason excessive heat is so insidious for food system workers especially is that some may feel trapped in poor working conditions, whether due to lack of economic resources or out of fear of retaliation, discrimination and harassment, and even deportation.
“Many times, we don’t leave to cool off, (even) for a short while,” said Eulalia Mendoza, who picked cucumbers in temps spiking to 105–115 degrees (41–46 C) in a California greenhouse. “It’s not because we wouldn’t want to (take a break and cool off), but because we’re scared that they would dismiss us. We don’t have an option. That is the reality”.
The hottest decade
July 22, 2024, marked the highest global average temperatures ever recorded since NASA began keeping records in the 1800s. The previous hottest day on record? Sunday, July 21, 2024.
Every single month for more than a year straight, we’ve seen global temps hit record highs for that month. The past 10-year stretch has been the hottest decade in modern climatological history.
Tragically, working in the food system amplifies the risk of heat-related illness and death. For agricultural workers, the risk of heat-related mortality is as much as 35 times higher than in other industries, according to an analysis in the American Journal of Industrial Medicine. Heat exposure can also cause other complications ranging from muscle cramps to heat stroke and aggravate existing conditions like diabetes and mental health challenges.
And many countries—including the United States—have no national-level policies in place to ensure that employers are protecting workers from worsening heat.
While several countries and regions around the world have enacted heat protections for workers. Last year, the European Commission issued new guidance requiring employers to consult directly with workers and representatives on heat management and provide access to drinking water, shaded areas, and rest breaks. In China, employees must be allowed to work for fewer hours and at a lower intensity during hot days, and in South Africa, employers are required to take a variety of preventative steps.
Fast food workers
On the other hand, also in California, Fast food workers are demanding another minimum wage hike, just months after their pay was raised from $16 to $20 an hour. The California Fast Food Workers Union, part of the Service Employees International Union (SEIU), presented their demands at the inaugural meeting of the state’s Fast Food Council, according to “outlook”.
The union is requesting that wages be increased to $20.70 per hour by January 1, 2025, to address the rising cost of living. In a statement, the SEIU emphasized the need for increased job stability, fair payment of owed back pay, stable schedules, and a thorough investigation into alleged “pervasive abuses” in the fast food industry. These abuses include wage theft, harassment, discrimination, and hazardous working conditions.
Governor Gavin Newsom established the 11-member Fast Food Council in September 2023 to set wages and regulations for the industry. Four months ago, the state’s new $20 minimum wage increase took effect. Since then, fast-food restaurants in California have cut nearly 10,000 jobs as franchises struggle with higher labor costs and increased prices.
Major chains like McDonald’s, Burger King, and In-N-Out Burger have raised prices to offset the wage increase, leading to reduced employee hours and a push towards automation. Rubio’s California Grill closed 48 of its 134 locations, citing the “rising cost of doing business” and filing for bankruptcy in June.
Despite these challenges, the SEIU and Newsom’s office highlight data showing that the industry added thousands of jobs after the wage increase took effect on April 1. Employees not affected by layoffs are supporting the new wage hike demand. “It’s been really good because I can put more food on the table and in my fridge and pay my rent on time which was always a challenge,” said Romualda Alcazar Cruz, an Oakland Wendy’s employee.