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Lone Star Labor: How we heal and move forward

Texas AFL-CIO
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Following an investigation from The New York Times that outlined years of alleged sexual harassment and abuse tied to Cesar Chávez, including claims that he engaged in sexual misconduct with women and girls connected to the farmworker movement, the labor movement is reckoning with how to move forward.

The Texas AFL-CIO has a strong commitment to justice and safety for all workers, and we will lift up women like Dolores Huerta, Ana Murguia, and Debra Rojas.

We will continue to follow the lead of the United Farm Workers (UFW) - who calls on allies and supporters to take part in immigration justice events and acts of service to support farmworkers or empower vulnerable people in their own communities.

The national AFL-CIO released the following statement: 

“These horrific, disturbing allegations come as a deep shock to us. Our thoughts are first and foremost with any victims of assault and abuse who have described experiencing what no one—especially children—should ever have to survive. No legacy can excuse it. 

“The AFL-CIO unequivocally condemns the actions described in The New York Times article and supports a full investigation into these allegations. The AFL-CIO will not participate or endorse any upcoming activities for Cesar Chavez Day.

“The AFL-CIO will always stand in solidarity with farmworkers who have fought for and won critical rights over generations through collective action, resilience and extraordinary determination—a history that cannot be erased by the horrific actions of one person. The labor movement was organized not only to protect workers’ paychecks and benefits, but also to ensure they are safe from any form of harassment, inappropriate conduct, or assault. Our commitment to safety and justice for farmworkers, immigrant workers and all in our workplaces will never waver.” 

We understand this will be a painful time for many union members, and we encourage folks to seek support. 

AS GOES TEXAS LABOR...

Austin: Workers union fighting city of Austin IT consolidation plan — KXAN featuring American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) Local 1624 President Brydan Summers

Austin: Texas Education Agency asks judge to dismiss suit alleging violation of educators’ free speech rights — KXAN featuring Texas American Federation of Teachers (Texas AFT) President Zeph Capo

DFW: ‘Devastating’: TSA officers at Dallas-Fort Worth unpaid as shutdown drags on — Fort Worth Star-Telegram featuring  American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE)  Local 1040 President Johnny Jones, Association of Flight Attendants-CWA (AFA-CWA), and North Texas Area Labor Federation President Tevita ‘Uhatafe

Houston: Proposed policy would enable Harris County employees to advocate for higher wages through a labor organization — Houston Public Media

Statewide: Progress Texas Happy Hour Podcast: Fighting for Texas Workers — Progress Texas featuring Texas AFL-CIO President Leonard Aguilar

Statewide: Voucher program will syphon even more money from public schools in Texas — San Antonio Express-News

NEWS TO USE

US judge revives union contract for 320,000 workers at veterans' agency — Reuters

Immigrant airport workers, union sue after Trump administration revokes clearances — Reuters

As another shutdown impacts travelers, some see privatizing TSA screening as a solution — Associated Press featuring American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) TSA Council 100 Secretary-Treasurer Johnny Jones

The WNBA’s new labor deal explained: what it means for pay, power and the league’s future — The Guardian

AI & TECH NEWS BITE

Burger King recently rolled out “Patty,” an AI chatbot built into employee headsets. Pitched as a coaching tool, Patty evaluates workers during customer interactions. Critics say it is invasive and dehumanizing.

In a recent letter, the U.S. Congressional Labor Caucus urged the House Democratic Commission on AI to promote AI guardrails that empower workers and their families.

New polling shows 80% of voters support a "pro-human" approach to AI with strong oversight and corporate accountability. This is not a Republican or Democrat issue — 73% of Trump voters agree with the “pro-human” path.

TEXAS LABOR FAMILY NEWS

🏃 LABOR ON THE MOVE

Congratulations to SEIU Texas, who just won a new contract for food service workers at Texas Southern University that increases wages to over $15 an hour! ✊

Solidarity with the workers of International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) Local 2011 in Fort Worth, who just ratified a new collective bargaining agreement. This three-year contract provides significant wage increases, a ratification bonus, improved workplace protections, and enhanced benefits for union members!  ✊

Congratulations to International Union of Elevator Constructors (IUEC) Local 31 (Houston) Honorary Retirees Dave and Bill, who received their Gold Cards. https://www.instagram.com/p/DVztAE_DRgM/ 

Congratulations to Kim Hatfield of United Steelworkers (USW) Local 13-1, who is retiring after 46 years of service!

SOLIDARITY CORNER: EVENTS & ACTIONS

🚨 TAKE ACTION

CALL YOUR SENATORS: Tell Your Senators: Don’t Make Voting Harder for Working People! The SAVE America Act would make it harder for millions of Americans to vote. Call your senators and tell them to stop this voter suppression bill. Take action here.

ADD YOUR NAME: Tell the FCC to update its VoIP oversight for the internet age! Sign this petition to tell the FCC to reclassify VoIP as a common carrier service and ensure everyone has access to high-quality phone service. Take action here.

SHARE or DONATE to GoFundMe pages for Texas union members:

DELETE THE STARBUCKS APP: Stand with Starbucks Workers United! Union baristas are calling on Starbucks customers to #DeleteTheApp to show Starbucks that you stand with baristas, not billion-dollar companies. Take action here.

📆 EVENTS THIS WEEK

Information Sessions for the 3/28 Houston Citizenship Clinic
Attend ONE information session to learn more about the requirements to apply for U.S. citizenship and prepare for the Mar. 28 Houston Citizenship Clinic.

Tuesday, Mar. 24 in Houston: The Fight for Free Speech Panel with Dr. Tom Alter
Join Dr. Tom Alter at the University of Houston for a panel on defending free speech, academic freedom, and democratic values in higher education. Details here.

📆 PLAN AHEAD

Saturday, Mar. 28 in Pasadena: Houston Citizenship Clinic
After attending an information session and confirming you are eligible to apply for U.S. citizenship, attend the Citizenship Clinic on Mar. 28! Details here.

Saturday, Mar. 28 statewide: No Kings Day
When our families are under attack and costs are pushing people to the brink, silence is not an option. Find an event near you at nokings.org 

See all upcoming Texas labor events here.

📝 APPLICATIONS, PROGRAMS, & TRAININGS

AFL-CIO Upcoming Trainings:

Saturday, Mar. 28 through Sunday, Mar. 29 in Dallas: Texas Solidarity School
Develop skills to plan direct actions and work together to coordinate a May Day 2026 event that centers workers over billionaires. Details here.

Due May 1: Apply for a 2026 Texas AFL-CIO Career-Building Scholarship! Each year, the Texas AFL-CIO awards $1,500 scholarships to affiliated union members who have returned to school to advance their careers. Learn more and apply here.

Now hiring: AFSCME Texas Corrections Employees Council 907 is hiring for Organizer / Representative to build local union capacity, empower the current membership, and organize new members. This position is statewide, but will start in the Houston / Beaumont area. Details here.

📸 PHOTO OF THE WEEK

Rio Grande Valley Central Labor Council President Sylvia Tanguma was invited to speak at a press conference with UnidosUS in McAllen calling for the release of 3,500 children being unlawfully and inhumanely detained.

Rio Grande Valley Central Labor Council President Sylvia Tanguma was invited to speak at a press conference with UnidosUS in McAllen calling for the release of 3,500 children being unlawfully and inhumanely detained.

Photo via Rio Grande Valley Central Labor Council

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