Lone Star Labor: An injury to one is an injury to all
Whether we’re born here or moved to make America our home, most of us do what it takes to make a better life for our families.
But today, Greg Abbott and Donald Trump are tearing apart families and deporting our union brothers and sisters, all while giving kickbacks to big corporations who gouge prices, hold down wages, and take away our freedoms.
Let’s be clear: An attack on immigrant workers is an attack on all of us. Dozens of union members from every industry have been targeted, arrested, detained, deprived of due process and even deported as a result of this mass deportation agenda.
But unions were built for moments like this. We have the organizing skills and infrastructure to protect each other at the bargaining table, on the job, and in our communities.
Here’s how we fight back:
- Distribute Know Your Rights (KYR) materials. (PDFs available at aflcio.org/immigrationresources)
- Conduct training for your union members.
- Engage with employers and establish employee-only spaces.
- Form a rapid response team within your local, Central Labor Council, or Area Labor Federation.
- Take steps to protect your union halls and events.
- Help workers prepare personal and family plans.
Donate to help our union brothers and sisters detained by ICE:
- Brian is a proud member of International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 520. Donate here.
- Keyla is a licensed electrician and proud IBEW Local 60 member. Donate here.
Share our upcoming Texas AFL-CIO Citizenship Clinics:
- Saturday, Apr. 11 in Austin: Citizenship Clinic
After attending an information session and confirming you are eligible to apply for U.S. citizenship, attend the Austin Citizenship Clinic! Details here.
- Saturday, Apr. 11 in San Antonio: Citizenship Clinic
After attending an information session and confirming you are eligible to apply for U.S. citizenship, attend the San Antonio Citizenship Clinic! Details here.
This fight is bigger than any union or workplace. Everyone should feel safe — whether at work, at home, or at school.
We know the power of union solidarity. We’ll stand shoulder to shoulder in defense of our immigrant brothers and sisters. We know an injury to one is an injury to all.
AS GOES TEXAS LABOR...
Austin: Imminent IT consolidation could weaken public safety response, raise cybersecurity risks — Austin Current featuring American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) Local 1624 (Austin AFSCME) member Braniff Davis and President Brydan Summers
Fort Worth: F-35 Program Workers Start Negotiations With Lockheed Martin — FLYING Magazine featuring International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers Union (IAM) District 776 (Fort Worth) and IAM Southern Territory General Vice President Craig Martin
Houston: Airport lines may still extend 'longer than normal' despite recent TSA pay, officials say — Houston Chronicle
Houston: Houston must pay firefighters $10M to $12M after arbitrator sides with union in contract dispute — Houston Chronicle featuring International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) Local 341 (Houston)
San Antonio: Immigration crackdown stokes fear, absences in San Antonio schools — San Antonio Express-News featuring San Antonio Alliance of Teachers and Support Personnel, Local 67 President Alejandra Lopez
NEWS TO USE
United Airlines, flight attendants reach labor deal for first raises since pandemic — CNBC featuring Association of Flight Attendants-CWA (AFA-CWA)
‘Blatant disrespect’: Judge contemplates contempt proceedings after VA re-terminated union contract — Government Executive
Fate of DHS funding uncertain as US Congress Republicans decide next steps — Reuters
Federal labor board asserts political control over union elections — Government Executive
AI & TECH NEWS BITE
Last week, the AFL-CIO held its first Workers First AI Summit in Washington, DC. They shared helpful resources on the principles and information labor unions rely on to protect workers, including:
- Commonsense Guardrails for Using Advanced Technology in Schools by American Federation of Teachers (AFT)
- Nurses and Patients’ Bill of Rights by National Nurses United (NNU)
- AI guardrails to protect actors by Screen Actors Guild – American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA)
Visit the Workers First News and Resources page to see the full collection.
TEXAS LABOR FAMILY NEWS
🏃 LABOR ON THE MOVE
NEW ORGANIZING ✊🏽: Solidarity with Delaware Resource Group workers at Randolph Air Force Base, who voted unanimously to form a union with IAM!
Congratulations to Education Austin Local 2048 President Ken Zarifis, who received a Distinguished Service Award from Austin Mayor Kirk Watson and the Austin City Council!
Congratulations to Daniel Garza of IBEW Local 60 (San Antonio), who won the 7th District Apprentice Contest!
Congratulations to El Paso AFT Local 3483 member Barbara Ledesma, who earned the Lavis Mentor Teacher Award in recognition of her leadership, dedication, and guidance in supporting future educators!
Congratulations to Christopher Douglass, who topped out to the classification of journeyman lineman with IBEW Local 66 (Houston).
Congratulations to Northside AFT Local 3216 who purchased a union hall in San Antonio. They’re renovating now, but we can’t wait to visit them in their very own space!
💐 IN MEMORY
Tommy L. Westmoreland, member of United Association (UA) 211 (Houston), passed away on Mar.14 at the age of 79.
Verney A. Duplechain, also of UA 211, passed away on Mar. 29 at the age of 79
Dalton Jenkins, member of IBEW Local 66 (Pasadena), passed away on Mar. 21 at the age of 33. Donate to help his three young children here.
Our hearts go out to their friends and family.
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.
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
TODAY, Apr. 2 in Grand Prairie: Electricians Job Fair
IBEW Local 20 (Grand Prairie) and We Power America are hosting a Job Fair for experienced electricians. Drop by to ask questions and see what opportunities are available. Details here.
Friday, Apr. 3 in Houston: A. Philip Randolph Institute Fish Fry Scholarship Fundraiser
Eat delicious food and raise money for a good cause at the Houston A. Philip Randolph Institute Fish Fry Scholarship Fundraiser. Details here.
📆 PLAN AHEAD
Saturday, Apr. 11 in Austin: Citizenship Clinic
After attending an information session and confirming you are eligible to apply for U.S. citizenship, attend the Austin Citizenship Clinic! Details here.
Saturday, Apr. 11 in San Antonio: Citizenship Clinic
After attending an information session and confirming you are eligible to apply for U.S. citizenship, attend the San Antonio Citizenship Clinic! Details here.
Friday, May 1: Texas Labor May Day 2026 Plans
We’re gathering information on local May Day plans to better support and coordinate efforts statewide. Please take a few minutes to share your council’s May Day 2026 plans, priorities, and needs. Fill out the form.
See all upcoming Texas labor events here.
📝 APPLICATIONS, PROGRAMS, & TRAININGS
AFL-CIO Upcoming Trainings:
- Tuesday, Apr. 7: Canvass Safety and Effectiveness
- Wednesday, Apr. 8: Union Peacekeeper & Observer Training
Thursday, Apr. 9 through Friday, Apr. 10 in Houston: Managing with Labor's Values Workshop
Over two days, participants will learn how to be an effective manager while staying true to the values of the labor movement. Details here.
Saturday, Apr. 11 in Houston: Building Union Power Workshop
Members from over a dozen unions will come together to gain the skills and confidence to effectively demonstrate and exercise collective power. Hosted by Houston Workers Deserve Better. 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.
📸 PHOTO OF THE WEEK
Last week, USW Local 13-1 hosted the USW District 13 Council Meeting. Delegates shared a moment of support and solidarity for USW District 13 Assistant Director Marco Vélez, our labor-endorsed candidate for Texas Lieutenant Governor.
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