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Here is your weekly news from the Texas Labor Movement. 

'Fund the Front Lines,' AFSCME Demands; Let's Help Front-Line Workers

The American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees this week launched an aggressive broadcast advertising campaign calling on lawmakers to "fund the front lines" with state and local government aid.

 "The stakes are high," the union states. "With the economy foundering and revenue drying up, state and local governments are beginning to impose layoffs and furloughs."

"That means paramedics, corrections officers, sanitation workers and others - all performing heroically during this public health crisis - will lose their jobs at this moment when we need them most. The only thing that will stop the bleeding is help from Congress."

On a local note, AFSCME 1624, representing over 3,000 Austin city and county employees, plans to distribute union made face masks to members this Saturday - drive thru style at the Texas AFL-CIO parking lot. On a recent video, organizers urge member to wear the mask at work and in public to maintain safe social distancing practices.

Texas AFL-CIO COPE Endorses Both Hegar, West for U.S. Senate Seat

The political arm of the Texas AFL-CIO delivered a dual endorsement of M.J. Hegar and Royce West in the U.S. Senate race.

The Texas AFL-CIO Committee on Political Education (COPE) endorsement leaves the decision on which candidate to support in the July 14 Democratic runoff election to individual unions. The Texas AFL-CIO and Central Labor Councils will not express a preference in that contest, but will work to elect the winner on Nov. 3.

"As happened during our COPE Convention in January, M.J. Hegar and Royce West each had strong support from different unions, but not enough to meet the two-thirds threshold for an individual endorsement," Texas AFL-CIO President Rick Levy said.

"Because of his poor record on issues affecting working families, incumbent John Cornyn richly deserves to be sent home. Our unions believe it is far better to move forward with a dual endorsement than with no action."

"Sen. West's outstanding service in the Texas Senate has been marked by strong support for a fair shot agenda, advocacy for Texans who too often are overlooked, and courage in the face of adversity. M.J. Hegar has brought a new energy to Texas politics, a sterling record of service to the nation, and a working class perspective to her campaign that resonates with our members. Each has committed to supporting key priorities of the labor movement when elected, including strengthening the right to organize. Either M.J. Hegar or Royce West would deliver dramatically better representation for Texas than what we are getting now."

In new action, COPE unanimously adopted the recommendation of the Tideland Central Labor Council to endorse Sarah DeMerchant in Texas House District 26. Previous COPE endorsements in other contests carry forward for the runoffs and general election.

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott Reportedly Says in Recorded Phone Call that Reopening State will Increase Coronavirus Spread

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott apparently said in a recent phone call that reopening the state will escalate coronavirus spread.

Newsweek reported the call recording was made on the same day Abbott decided to reopen businesses.

The recording was posted on Tuesday by the group Progress Texas, but reportedly was recorded during a May 1 call Abbott held with state legislators to discuss reopening businesses closed by the coronavirus pandemic.

If Trump Wants Meat Plants Open, He Should Protect Their Workers

The New York Times published an opinion article from AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka:

When workers are left unprotected, we get sick and cannot work. We can transmit the virus to our families and communities. If all workers are not protected from the virus, our economy will collapse.

Forcing meat-processing plants to remain open might temporarily satisfy President Trump, but it doesn’t help contain the spread of the virus. It is a harmful and misguided use of what can be a valuable tool when properly applied.

The Defense Production Act can replicate successes of the past. Before America joined World War II, the labor movement led the way in calling for defense production. Henry Ford’s assembly line workers produced a B-24 bomber every hour, and California shipbuilders could make cargo vessels about every five days. Companies remained profitable and ensured workers on the front lines were properly equipped and compensated.

This contagion is fast-moving and the crisis it has wrought is rapidly evolving. We need to be faster in our response. We do not have a vaccine for this virus yet, but we have an answer to the lack of lifesaving equipment: America’s workers.

President Trump needs to use the Defense Production Act for the right reasons, effectively and swiftly.

Houston Labor Movement Celebrates Rent Relief Victory, Pushes for Further Action to Support Working Families

After weeks of advocacy, the Gulf Coast labor movement today celebrated a major victory for working families, as Houston City Council voted to create a $14.4 million relief fund to assist renters struggling with the sudden loss of a job or wages due to the coronavirus pandemic.

“We are glad that City Council has responded to our call to provide relief to thousands of Houstonians struggling to pay their bills during the crisis, but it is just a start, said Gulf Coast Area Labor Federation Executive Director Hany Khalil, “We continue to call on City Council to use its authority to expand protections to the tens of thousands of renters in need who will not receive aid through the fund, to include Houston’s working families in future discussions on rent and other forms of relief, and to avoid tapping funds available to prevent layoffs and furloughs of City employees.”

FREE Shareable/Downloadable Poster via Amplifier Art

Via artist Mike Nicholsen - "In response to COVID-19, Amplifier launched an emergency campaign with top art curators and public-health advisors from around the world looking for public health and safety messages that can help flatten the curve through education and symbols that help promote mental health, well-being, and social change work during these stressful times. My family decided to make as many mask as we could during our quarantine time. It reminded me of the women call to action during WWII. I think this is our countries moment to work together and show a united compassion for each other."

Song of the Week - "The World (Is Going Up in Flames) " - Charles Bradley

Stay Safe And Healthy. We Can Do This.