Salute to city's outdoor laborers work in summer heat

This summer heat in Shenzhen has reached a boiling point, and the residents are feeling it all over the city! It’s during these times that the majority of residents escape indoors under the cool air of AC units. One type of Shenzhener doesn’t have it so easy: the outdoor laborer. From construction workers, volunteers, street cleaners, to delivery workers, dealing with the intense heat is a constant struggle.

Photos by Joshua Fernandez

Often during my street photography sessions, many of my subjects are the labor workers of Shenzhen, their effort captured on camera as a display of one of the support pillars of the city. Fortunately, in my time in Shenzhen, I have seen a public recognition of their struggles from both the city and other residents. There are dedicated rest stations for delivery drivers, construction workers are allowed to rest in metro stations, and water is often handed out by complete strangers. This type of support is essential to showing respect to outdoor laborers and their necessary work.

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