Nick Jones, a Shop Steward for Teamsters Local 822 and a driver for the United Parcel Service (UPS), joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast and discussed the problem of heat exhaustion and why more needs to be done to protect workers.
Jones said UPS trucks lack air conditioning, which forces workers to suffer through sweltering heat.
UPS drivers are given an hour-long lunch break and a paid 10 minute break. However, some drivers need longer breaks to avoid heat exhaustion, which puts them at risk getting into trouble with management, as UPS uses extensive tracking systems to monitor the work of drivers, he said.
Jones pointed to the need for the Occupational Safety and Health Administration to develop better standards for workers in hot environments.
Listen to the entire episode to learn more about these topics.