Farm in North Carolina reduces heat-related worker death fine by a staggering 98%
José Arturo Gonzalez Mendoza, a Mexican migrant worker, tragically lost his life on September 5, 2023, while harvesting sweet potatoes under 94-degree heat. His death became a significant issue during the race for North Carolina Labor Commissioner last year.
Mendoza was on a temporary agriculture visa at the time of his passing. The incident, along with the subsequent citation, were part of the campaign's focus on workplace safety and federal labor laws. Barnes Farming, the employer, was fined $187,500 for "willful" and "serious" violations of worker safety rules.
However, the settlement agreed to by North Carolina authorities nearly eliminates these high fines. Barnes Farming is now required to pay $3,750, which is approximately 2% of the initial fine. The settlement pertains to violations related to worker safety rules.
The death of Mendoza and the subsequent citation were points of contention in the race for North Carolina Labor Commissioner. The candidates addressed these issues, emphasising the importance of the North Carolina Labor Commissioner's role in workplace safety and enforcing federal labor laws.
The person who made the decision to nearly eliminate the high fines against Barnes Farming after a worker died from extreme heat on a farm workplace has not been publicly identified in available sources.
North Carolina authorities agreed to the settlement quietly, a move that has raised questions about accountability and transparency in such cases. The settlement comes as a stark contrast to the initial fine, leading to concerns about the effectiveness of penalties in enforcing worker safety rules.
The race for North Carolina Labor Commissioner took place last year, with the candidates promising to prioritise worker safety and enforce federal labor laws more stringently. The tragic death of Mendoza serves as a reminder of the need for robust regulations and strict enforcement to protect migrant workers like him.
As the dust settles on the race, the focus now shifts to ensuring that such tragedies are prevented in the future. The North Carolina Labor Commissioner, in their role, will play a crucial part in this endeavour, striving to create a safer and fairer work environment for all.
