Workers Defense organizers urge Dallas County to adopt "Better Builder" worker‑protection standards for county projects

Four community speakers representing Workers Defense and allied organizations used the public‑comment period to press the Commissioners Court to adopt a "Better Builder" resolution that would require Dallas County contractors on county projects to meet minimum worker protections.

Speakers recounted workplace injuries and alleged wage theft by construction firms, and they asked the court to use county contracting leverage to demand workers' compensation coverage, safety training, rest breaks and mechanisms to detect and prevent wage theft. Anita Nuñez read testimony on behalf of a construction worker who said a workplace injury led to surgeries and out‑of‑pocket costs. Other speakers asked that county‑funded construction projects ensure dignity and safety for workers employed on public works.

Commissioners did not take action on the request at the May 19 meeting, but public comment was entered into the record and staff were asked to consider placing the request on a future agenda for formal action.

Speakers: Anita Nuñez (reading for Oscar Torres Mendez), Martha Hernandez, Genoveva Castellanos, and Maria de Jesus Garza. Their testimonies focused on injuries, wage theft, and a call for county minimum standards on county‑funded construction.