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Harris County Essential Workers Board Helps Enact Strongest Workers’ Rights Protections in County History

Harris County, TX, February 26, 2026, The Harris County Essential Workers Board (HCEWB) released its annual report highlighting the historic progress that Harris County has made in strengthening workers’ rights. Over the last year, HCEWB successfully advocated for some of the strongest workers’ protections in county history, including a $20 minimum wage for county employees and stronger safety protections for construction workers.

In 2025, HCEWB helped:

  • Pass the highest minimum wage in county history. After working with HCEWB, Commissioners Court raised the minimum wage to $20/hr from its previous $15/hr to ensure that all county employees and contractors make a living wage.
  • Strengthen safety protections for county construction workers, including both contractors and full-time employees. As a result of HCEWB’s advocacy, county construction sites are now required to have mandatory rest breaks, follow stronger monitoring and safety inspection standards, provide free personal protective equipment for all workers, and follow heat illness prevention plans. 
  • Influence FIFA World Cup 2026™ workers’ rights policies. The FIFA World Cup 2026™ Houston Host Committee (HOU26) committed to a minimum wage of $15/hour for all workers at FIFA events. HOU26 also developed a Responsible Contracting Policy (RCP) similar to Harris County’s Contractor Safety Record Policy, which will help ensure that FIFA only hires vendors and contractors in Houston who prioritize workers' health and safety. 

At the urging of Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo and local workers, Commissioners Court created the HCEWB in 2021, following the COVID-19 pandemic, which highlighted the challenges that essential workers face across industries. HCEWB is composed of thirteen essential workers from industries including construction, child care, education, health care, aviation and more. The thirteen members rely on their lived experiences to advise Commissioners Court on policies that will support and strengthen workers’ rights. 

HCEWB was the first essential workers’ board in the country and has been nationally recognized by Harvard Law School for its groundbreaking work. 

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