When Jose Arturo Gonzalez Mendoza died of heat stroke last fall, he was working for a farm that offered only a hot bus for breaks and a 10-gallon water cooler with no cups for hydration.
His death prompted the North Carolina Department of Labor to fine his employer more than $187,000 — and sparked a statewide debate over heat safety standards that has now become central in the campaign for labor commissioner.
North Carolina is one of just four states that elects the head of its labor department. For the past three decades, the post has been held by Republicans with industry ties. But Democrats think they have a shot of winning the seat this year with a candidate who advocates for stronger heat regulations. A poll of 600 likely voters conducted by the Carolina Journal last week shows the candidates neck and neck, tied at 41 percent.
Braxton Winston II, a former Charlotte City Council member, announced his campaign last winter, not long before the citations were issued against Barnes Farming, which is owned by the husband of Republican state Sen. Lisa Barnes. The company is contesting the citation.
