Lone Star Labor: Don’t Cross the Picket Line
Today, Starbucks Workers United baristas are launching a wave of strikes in 65 locations across 41 cities. In case you didn’t know, today is Red Cup Day at Starbucks — one of their busiest sales days of the year.
These workers are asking for:
- A fair contract.
- Improved staffing.
- Fair pay.
- An end to union busting.
If Starbucks refuses to come to the table, more locations will join the picket line.
This isn’t just about Starbucks. When workers organize, they can stand up against even the biggest, most profitable corporations.
Workers have won strikes in Houston. Just last month, UNITE HERE Local 23 members at Hilton Americas-Houston ended the first-ever hotel strike in Texas after 40 days on the picket line. Their new contract redefines the standard for hotel workers across the state.
In the fight against the billionaires, unions are how working people win. Each contract, each strike, each victory strengthens our movement and inspires more people to join.
Here’s how you can support Starbucks Workers United:
- Don’t cross the picket line. Don’t buy Starbucks until the strike is over.
- Sign the No Contract, No Coffee pledge and stand with baristas until they win the contract they deserve. Learn more and take the pledge HERE.
- Spread the word. Tell friends and family not to cross the picket line.
- Show up. Join a local rally — Keep an eye on nocontractnocoffee.org for an event near you. DFW, you’re in luck.
AS GOES TEXAS LABOR…
Austin: Former Texas Comptroller's Office employee says he was fired for promoting 'No Kings' rally — Spectrum News featuring Texas State Employees Union (TSEU) member Caleb Newton
Houston: George R. Brown Convention Center workers ratify $20 minimum wage contract, avoid strike — Houston Chronicle featuring UNITE HERE Local 23 Texas chapter President Franchesca Caraballo
Houston: UH students relaunch anti-Starbucks campaign ahead of possible national barista strike — Houston Chronicle featuring Starbucks Workers United
North Texas: North Texas airlines look to rebuild from shutdown as government reopening nears — Dallas Morning News
NEWS TO USE
House passes bill to end historic government shutdown, sending measure to Trump — Associated Press
The Shutdown Is Over. But for Federal Workers, the Anxiety Persists — New York Times
Furloughed worker is 'reevaluating some things' amid government shutdown — ABC News featuring American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) Local 2139 President Imelda Avila-Thomas
Unions sue over Trump administration's political 'loyalty' hiring plan — Reuters
TEXAS LABOR FAMILY NEWS
🏃 LABOR ON THE MOVE
Solidarity with Refresco Teamsters Local 767 (Forest Hill), who voted unanimously to authorize a strike and have a contract authorization vote this weekend!
Solidarity with International Union of Operating Engineers (IUOE) Local 564 (Gulf Coast), which has held two informational pickets in support of workers at the Olin Corporation Freeport facility.
Join Pipe Fitters Local 211 (Houston) in congratulating their 125 new members! Welcome to the labor union family!
Join Teamsters Local 767 in congratulating brother Hector Salazar on his retirement after 38 years of service, and brother Robert Pecina on his retirement after 35 years of service! Both were Package Car Drivers from UPS Towneast Mesquite. We wish them the best in the next chapter of their lives.
💐 IN MEMORY
Pipe Fitters Local 211 in Houston mourns the passing of brother Donald Rogers. Our hearts go out to his friends and family.
📜 THIS WEEK IN LABOR HISTORY…
On Nov. 9, 1935, the Committee for Industrial Organization was founded, later becoming the Congress of Industrial Organizations (CIO). It addressed the need for a more inclusive union membership within the American Federation of Labor (AFL). Learn more.
SOLIDARITY CORNER: EVENTS & ACTIONS
🚨 TAKE ACTION
DONATE: Join with Texas labor and donate today to help feed Texas families. We’re partnering with Feeding Texas, a network of 20 food banks, to make sure families across the state get the food and support they need. We’re at 45% of our goal! Donate here.
SIGN: Stand up against layoffs at the Harris Center! Join United Workers of Harris Center (UWHC), (CWA Local 6154) and tell Harris Center leadership to protect the workers who are the backbone of Harris County’s mental health services. Take action here.
📆 EVENTS THIS WEEK
TODAY, Thursday, Nov. 13 in Farmers Branch: Red Cup Rally with Starbucks Workers United
Join baristas on Starbucks’ busiest sales day of the year in their fight for a fair contract and an end to the company’s years-long union-busting campaign. Details here.
Saturday, Nov. 15 in Sandy Creek: Volunteer Cleanup Day
FUND TEXAS FOREVER and LiUNA Local 1095 are coming together to support flood-impacted families as they rebuild their homes that were damaged and destroyed by the July 5th floods. Details here.
Wednesday, Nov. 19 in Waco: Waco Labor Town Hall
Texas AFL-CIO President-Elect Leonard Aguilar and Secretary-Treasurer-Elect Lorraine Montemayor are hitting the road for our Statewide Listening Tour to hear from Texans about what the future of the Texas labor movement should look like. 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
See all upcoming Texas labor events here.
📝 APPLICATIONS & PROGRAMS
AFSCME Local 1624 (Austin) is hiring for Union Organizer & Communications and Union Representative roles to engage with employees, build solidarity, and recruit members. Details here.
Fair Shot for Texas Workers Political Action Committee (PAC) is hiring for a PAC Director based in Austin to lead and execute the organization’s electoral program in Texas, overseeing fundraising, field operations, and mail, digital, and email outreach. Details here.
📸 PHOTO OF THE WEEK
Nearly 500 members of International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 20 (Grand Prairie) gathered to consider and unanimously reject NECA's latest offer. Solidarity forever! ✊
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