Farmworkers in California Claim Retaliatory Firings for Avoiding Triple-Digit Heat

Six farmworkers in California claim they were fired after leaving work early due to unsafe triple-digit temperatures. Maria Paredes and her coworkers reported severe heat illness symptoms and received permission to leave early. However, they were dismissed the following day. The state is investigating these allegations as potential retaliatory firings.

Despite California’s heat safety regulations, enforcement remains weak, particularly in the agricultural sector, where low-wage workers are hesitant to report unsafe conditions. Senate Bill 1299 aims to improve protections by linking workers’ compensation eligibility to compliance with heat safety rules, applying financial pressure on employers to adhere to regulations.

California’s labor advocates continue to push for better enforcement and awareness of heat safety standards to protect vulnerable workers. National efforts, including a federal workplace heat rule, are also underway, mirroring California’s approach to safeguarding workers from extreme heat.