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This newsletter is a 5-minute read. |
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Hi john, here's your weekly Texas labor update: |
ONE BIG THING: CONGRESS CAN PASS THE PROTECT AMERICA’S WORKFORCE ACT |
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It’s time to get it done for America’s workers. Thanks to the hard work of working families, union members, and our allies, our bipartisan bill to reverse President Trump’s union-busting executive order — the Protect America’s Workforce Act (H.R. 2550) — is getting a vote in Congress.
This is an all-hands-on-deck moment to help restore collective bargaining rights to the more than 1 million federal workers. Call your representative now and ask them to pass the Protect America’s Workforce Act!
Trump’s executive order to gut federal workers’ collective bargaining rights was the worst act of union-busting in American history. Since then, his administration has expanded the order to cover even more workers!
The American people didn’t sign up for this. Approximately 70% of Americans — both Republicans and Democrats — support the right to join a union. That’s why we have the support we need to get the Protect America’s Workforce Act across the finish line.
So let’s get to work! Click here make a call to your representative today! |
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AS GOES TEXAS LABOR... |
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Austin: New Graduate Workers Union Fights for Better Pay and Protests the College Compact — Reporting Texas, featuring the University of Texas Graduate Workers Union (UTGWU)
Dallas: Starbucks Workers Strike Against Foot-Dragging in Bargaining — Jacobin, featuring Starbucks Workers United (SBWU) member Benjamin Estrello
Dallas: 5 Things to Know About the Labor Disputes at Dallas Black Dance Theatre — KERA News, featuring the American Guild of Musical Artists (AGMA)
Houston: Harris County commissioners pass countywide worksite safety policy — Community Impact, featuring Texas Gulf Coast Area Labor Federation Organizing Director Linda Morales
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NEWS TO USE |
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Solar Grant Recipients Battle to Recoup Funds on Multiple Fronts — Bloomberg Law
Commentary: The GOP Is Trying to Rebrand Its Anti-Worker Agenda. Don’t Believe Them. — The Century Foundation
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TEXAS LABOR FAMILY NEWS |
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🏃 LABOR ON THE MOVE NEW ORGANIZING ✊ Nearly 250 workers at United Natural Foods, Inc. in Lancaster, Texas are unionizing with Teamsters Local 745.
Welcome to the 10 new union members of Northeast Houston AFT from Galena Park ISD Transportation!
Solidarity with the Dallas News Guild (NewsGuild - CWA), who released this statement after 26 of their members were outsourced, a violation of their contract.
Solidarity with the Austin News Guild (NewsGuild - CWA), who delivered a petition to management asking Hearst to come to the bargaining table in good faith.
Congratulations to International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 72 (Waco) member Mitch Wuest on his retirement!
Congratulations to brothers Matthew Russell, Craig Walls, Cody Wapato-Conrad, who topped out to the classification of journeyman linemen with IBEW Local 66 (Houston).
💐 IN MEMORY Carl Leonard Cox, a lifelong member of Sheet Metal Workers Local Union 54 (Houston), was laid to rest this week. His leadership and mentorship shaped generations of craftsmen, and in December 2024, he was honored for 60 years of dedicated service to Local 54.
David Richards, who served as the General Counsel of the Texas AFL-CIO in the 70s and 80s, and was the ex-husband of the late Texas Gov. Ann Richards, died on Thursday at the age of 92. He was one of the leading voting rights lawyers in the history of Texas. He also worked for the Texas Attorney General's Office under Jim Mattox, and represented the Texas Civil Liberties Union fighting for constitutional rights of all Texans.
Joan Wilson, a proud member of the A. Philip Randolph Institute (APRI) in Houston, passed away on Nov. 14. Services will be held this weekend.
Our hearts go out to their friends and family. |
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SOLIDARITY CORNER: EVENTS & ACTIONS |
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CALL: Tell your Representative to Pass the Protect America’s Workforce Act. We need every representative — Republican or Democrat — who says they support America’s unions to vote for the Protect America’s Workforce Act and restore federal workers’ union rights. Take action here.
SIGN: Take the Pledge for Starbucks Workers United (SBWU) — No Contract, No Coffee! Starbucks baristas deserve to be paid enough to afford the basics like food and rent. That's why they're demanding a fair union contract with the staffing, hours, take-home pay, and an end to union-busting. Take action here. |
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📆 EVENTS THIS WEEK Friday, Nov. 21 in Denton: Starbucks Workers United Picket Line Union baristas are on an unfair labor practice strike protesting union busting and demanding a fair union contract and a better future at Starbucks. Details here.
Friday, Nov. 21 in Austin: #FundTexasForever Action for Flood Survivors Join disaster survivors from across Texas in Austin as we take action to call on Gov. Greg Abbott to deliver relief now by starting the Texas Forever Fund! Details here.
Saturday, Nov. 22 in Temple: Rally for Spec’s Workers Unionizing Workers at Spec’s in Temple are voting on Saturday to join Teamsters. Details here.
📆 PLAN AHEAD Jan. 24-25 in Georgetown: Texas AFL-CIO 2026 COPE Convention Registration is now open for the 2026 COPE Convention! Book your hotel and register at texasaflcioconvention.org
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📸 PHOTO OF THE WEEK |
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At the Texas AFL-CIO Waco Labor Town Hall, 30 union members from eight different unions came together to talk about the future of our movement! Stay tuned in 2026 for our next Town Hall stops. |
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Please note, the Lone Star Labor weekly newsletter will pause next week for the Thanksgiving holiday. We’ll be back on Thursday, Dec. 4.
Did you enjoy this newsletter? Let us know and submit photos, events, and other Texas labor news to [email protected]! |
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In Solidarity, Team Texas AFL-CIO |
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