Congressman Casar's Vigil & Thirst Strike for Workers Rights

On July 25th, Congressman Greg Casar (D-Texas) hosted a Vigil & Thirst Strike for Workers' Rights on the steps of the U.S. Capitol to draw attention to the need for a federal workplace heat standard, including protections for rest and water breaks.

During the event, Congressman Casar participated in an all-day thirst strike – meaning no water, no food, and no break, until nurses require him to stop.

LINK: Vigil & Thirst Strike for Workers' Rights Live Stream

The event followed a letter released on July 24th, when Casar led a group of 110+ members of Congress calling on the Biden Administration to implement an Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) workplace heat standard as quickly as possible. The members urged the “fastest possible implementation… given the dire threat to the lives of workers exposed to extreme heat.”

The event took place prior to Texas House Bill 2127 becoming law on September 1st, which will eliminate local protections against extreme heat, such as the Austin and Dallas ordinances that require water breaks for workers.