‘The cruelty Olympics’: Texas workers condemn elimination of water breaks

Outdoor workers express anger and fear of potential repercussions after governor rescinds mandatory breaks amid extreme heat

Eva Marroquin is an outdoor worker who cleans up construction sites in the Austin area, where temperatures have surpassed 100F (38C) every day for weeks. In the summertime, it's common for Marroquin to feel blistering heat as early as 8.30 in the morning. She is required to wear stifling layers of protective clothing.

She has seen workers pass out from working in dangerous weather conditions, and she herself has experienced heat exhaustion at least three times during her career. I'd get really red in the face and feel very lethargic, like I didn't have any strength to move, with my heart palpitating really fast," she said. Marroquin relies on regular water breaks to get some relief.