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Lone Star Labor: Fight the Trump Takeover

Texas AFL-CIO
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Last week, we discussed the not-so-special session currently being used by Greg Abbott to redraw Congressional districts — instead of focusing on emergency preparedness or helping Central Texans recover from the July 4 flooding. 

Through redistricting, Abbott is trying to dilute the voting power of Black and brown Texans in certain areas to rig future elections for Republicans. This is disenfranchisement. And he’s only doing it because Donald Trump told him to.

Here’s how you can fight back: 

The Texas House is holding three hearings  — in Austin (today), Houston, and Arlington — and we need as many folks as possible to show up in opposition to redistricting. This is an all-hands-on-deck situation! We just rallied in Austin — can you join us for a rally with labor leaders and elected officials in Houston or Arlington, then head over to the hearing room where you can make your voice heard through testimony?

CENTRAL TEXAS FLOOD RESOURCES & HOW TO HELP

We’ve compiled a list of resources and how to help here. Thank you to all of our emergency responders for their work during this crisis. 

AS GOES TEXAS LABOR…

Dallas/Fort Worth: Extreme heat could impact the promise of economic growth in North Texas — The Dallas Morning News

Houston: Hospitality union workers picket Houston’s largest hotel — Hotel Dive

Statewide: Remote work rates stabilize in US and Texas, especially among educated workers and parents — Texas Standard

Statewide: IAM Union’s Texas State Council Continues Legacy of Labor Leadership, Endorses State Council President for State Senate Seat — IAM Union

NEWS TO USE

Democrats press discharge petition to restore federal worker union rights stripped by Trump — The Hill

Undocumented builders face unchecked exploitation amid Trump raids: ‘It’s more work, less pay’ — The Guardian

GOP Renews Push to Revoke Federal Charter for Nation’s Largest Teachers’ Union — Education Week

This Education Department Official Lost His Job. Here’s What He Says Is at Risk — TIME

TEXAS LABOR FAMILY NEWS

🏃 LABOR ON THE MOVE

Our sincere thanks to IAM District 142 Employee Assistance Program (EAP) instructor Mack “Big Mack” McKinney, who has provided stress management support to those affected by the flooding in Kerrville.

Education Austin President Ken Zarifis is making progress in rehab following his tragic car accident. Read the update from his sister here.

USW 13-2001 (Baytown) recently gained three new members: Joseph Belgira, Mario Lopez and Nicholas Pinter. Welcome to the labor family!

Congratulations to the newly elected IBEW Local 66 (Gulf Coast) officers, including President Justin “JD” Grotts, Vice President Tyler Hilborn, Recording Secretary Hugo Kraft III, Business Manager Arthur “Ed” Allen, and Treasurer Mindy Villareal! View the complete list.

Congratulations to IBEW Local 66 brother William Clark, who topped out as journeyman lineman. 

Happy Anniversary to IBEW Local 60 in San Antonio, which was founded on July 22, 1893! 

IAM District 776 has dedicated its union hall to retired international president and Fort Worth native, Robert Martinez Jr. 

💐 IN MEMORY

Texas AFT mourns the passing of James Howard, whose tireless commitment to the workers of San Antonio and throughout Texas brought about many labor wins. His dedication to service and the impact of his work will not be forgotten. Our hearts go out to his friends and family.

📜 THIS WEEK IN LABOR HISTORY… 

Exactly two years ago, U.S. Rep. Greg Casar held a nearly nine-hour thirst strike to draw attention to the fact that every worker should have the right to a water break. Casar was joined by family members of people who had died while working in Texas heat. Read reporting from that day.

We must continue to fight for the safety of Texas workers. Earlier this month, we shared reporting on a Dallas USPS worker who collapsed and died while working in the heat. OSHA recently held informal public hearings on a revised heat rule that could literally save workers’ lives. Large corporations want a weakened rule that protects their profits. No worker should have to risk their lives in the Texas heat so billionaires can make a few extra pennies.

SOLIDARITY CORNER: EVENTS & ACTIONS

🚨 TAKE ACTION

Call your member of Congress and tell them to sign the discharge petition and pass the Protect America’s Workforce Act, H.R. 2550! This bipartisan bill will overturn President Trump’s executive order that ripped the right to collectively bargain away from hundreds of thousands of federal workers. We need every single member of Congress who says they support America’s unions to sign the discharge petition now. Call your Member HERE.

Donate to support our union brother Jamal, a member of International Rescue Committee (IRC) Workers Unite Texas, OPEIU Local 277, who was abruptly detained by ICE more than three months ago. Make a donation to the GoFundMe! to help with legal and bond fees.

Donate to the AFGE Federal Employee Defense Fund to fund legal action and other strategies to defend American public employees.

📆 EVENTS

RALLIES: FIGHTING THE TRUMP TAKEOVER

Greg Abbott is letting Trump take over Texas. We must come together to oppose this desperate power grab. Join us for an uplifting rally, then head over to pack the hearing rooms and make your voice heard through testimony. Wear a white shirt to join in resistance!

Event registration and details are at the links below.

Wed., Jul. 30 in Houston: Houston Federation of Teachers Book Drive & Literacy Fair
Free books for all at the Reading Opens the World Book Drive and Literacy Fair. Books are available on a first-come, first-served basis, so arrive early! Details here.

Friday, Sep. 5 through Sunday, Sep. 7 in Dallas: Texas YALL’s 2025 Hot Labor Summer Summit
Join the Texas Young Active Labor Leaders (YALL) for the 2025 Hot Labor Summer Summit. Any union members 40 years old or younger are welcome to join YALL. Details & registration here.

📝 APPLICATIONS & PROGRAMS

The Austin Chapter of National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) 2025-2026 Scholarships: Multiple awards are available. Visit the link for eligibility and to download the application, which is due tomorrow, Friday, Jul. 25.

Northside AFT (San Antonio) is hiring for a fierce, passionate union organizer! Details here.

Enter Unions Power America Sweepstakes: Grand Prize of $40,000
This summer, Union Plus is giving away more than $300,000 to celebrate union members. For details and sweepstakes entry, visit unionplus.org/laborday.

📸 PHOTO OF THE WEEK

Houston hotel workers were outside City Hall this week, warning that the Hilton Americas is at risk of additional picket lines and other worker actions if a settlement on a new union contract is not reached. Solidarity with UNITE HERE Local 23! 

UNITEHERE Local 23 members pictured picketing outside of Houston City Hall as a warning that the Hildon Americas is at risk other worker actions if a new contract is not reached.

Snapshot courtesy UNITE HERE 23

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