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The Harris County Commissioners Court voted recently to establish the Harris County Essential Workers Board to place low-wage frontline workers in the center of decisions establishing health and safety policies.
Judge Lina Hidalgo tweeted Nov. 30, sharing news of the announcement that will give frontline workers a voice in countywide decisions.
"Harris County residents rely on essential workers for our survival and well-being. They deserve a seat at the decision table. Today, we proudly established a Harris County Essential Worker Board to provide recommendations on county policy," Hidalgo wrote in her tweet.
A report by Houston Public Media states this comes following a 3-2 vote along party lines, with GOP members Tom Ramsey and R. Jack Cagle as the opposition.
While the two said they support essential workers, they said they did not support the establishment of another government board in the county.
“I think that we each have a duty to listen and to help, to support, but I don't know that we necessarily need another committee, another group, another board,” Cagle said during the deciding meeting.
Miranda Salinas, a Houston Walmart worker and leader for United for Respect, advocated for the board, stating it would allow frontline workers to have a say in legislation that directly impacts them, Houston Public Media reported.
“No one knows what's really happening on the COVID front lines better than essential workers,” Salinas said in the meeting. “This is a monumental victory for essential workers and their families."
The creation of this board marks the first of its kind in the country, the report states. It will offer a formal role for workers in determining these health and safety policies throughout the county.
According to Houston Public Media, the board will be led by frontline workers from Houston-area labor groups. This includes United for Respect, the Workers Defense Project, Jobs With Justice, Fe y Justicia Worker Center and the National Domestic Workers Alliance.