The Joint Hearing of the Assembly Labor and Employment and Senate Labor, Public Employment and Retirement held on March 12, 2025, focused on the critical issue of worker safety during wildfire responses in California. The meeting highlighted the ongoing challenges faced by workers, particularly Latino laborers, who are often exposed to hazardous conditions without adequate support or information from employers.

IDEVSCA, an organization involved in wildfire response since 2017, reported alarming statistics regarding the workforce in areas like Palisades and Malibu. Latino workers make up 37% of the labor force in these regions, despite representing only 7% of the local resident population. This disparity raises concerns about the vulnerability of these workers, especially during emergencies.

During the recent Palisades Fire, many workers were trapped due to closed roads and were not informed about evacuation procedures by their employers. Affected workers, some traveling from as far as El Monte, faced significant delays in returning home, taking up to five hours to navigate alternate routes. This situation underscores the need for better communication and support systems for workers during crises.

The meeting also referenced lessons learned from the 2017 Wolsey Fires, where a survey of day laborers revealed the long-term impacts of such disasters on their livelihoods. Many workers lost multiple job opportunities as homeowners were unable to rebuild for years. The ongoing communication network established by IDEVSCA, including mass texting and social media, proved crucial in providing timely information to workers during the recent fires.

The hearing emphasized the importance of creating accessible safety materials in multiple languages and ensuring that workers are informed about transportation routes and emergency procedures. As California continues to face wildfire threats, the need for improved worker protections and communication strategies remains a pressing concern for lawmakers and advocates alike.