Lone Star Labor: Keeping Texans Safe In the Workplace and Beyond
If you read our recent list of 25 labor-related bills to watch through the end of the legislative session, you know the harmful bills vastly outnumber the good.
But sometimes, we get a win.
So let’s celebrate the passage of Senate Bill 482 (SB 482), which aims to protect utility workers from assault and harassment, especially following natural disasters. This bipartisan bill came about due to the threats of violence received by electrical linemen in the aftermath of Hurricane Beryl. While the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 66 in Houston played a key role in the bill's passage, utility workers in the telecommunications, cable, gas, and pipeline industries will also be protected.
No one should have to worry about the possibility of violence while at work. And worker safety is about more than what happens between the beginning and ending of a shift.
We urge you to also take a look at Senate Bill 8 (SB8), which the legislature will likely push through next week. This bill enlists local law enforcement to act as immigration enforcement agents. We’ve seen these types of bills before. They make law-abiding immigrants worry that any interaction with police will end in harassment, imprisonment without due process, or even deportation. And it’s not an unfounded fear — just ask Kilmar Abrego Garcia.
Let’s be clear: immigrant workers are a critical part of our economy and our labor movement. They should feel safe and enjoy the rights under the Constitution — on and off the jobsite. When people, immigrants or otherwise, are afraid to report violence or threats to police, we’re all less safe.
Solidarity means reminding lawmakers that labor unions will not stand by while people are left in harm’s way. It means rejecting policies that divide our communities. It means standing up for workers and making sure we’re safe on and off the job. Once SB 8 is set for a vote, we’ll be calling on you to mobilize.
In preparation, please take action NOW and send a letter to stop SB 8.
AS GOES TEXAS LABOR…
Texas Firefighters One Step Away from Life-Saving Cancer Screening Law — Dallas Express featuring Tim Mackling, president of the Flower Mound Professional Fire Fighters Local 3649
Texas bill to increase penalty for assaulting utility workers heads to governor’s desk — Houston Public Media
Trump administration removes five immigration judges in Texas, union says — San Antonio Current featuring International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers (IFPTE)
Texas businesses feel the pinch from Trump’s tariffs, Fed survey finds — The Texas Tribune
NEWS TO USE
Americans favor labor unions over big business now more than ever — Economic Policy Institute
Labor watchdog opens investigation into DOGE whistleblower claims after NPR reporting — NPR
White House officials wanted to put federal workers ‘in trauma.’ It’s working. — Washington Post
TEXAS LABOR FAMILY NEWS
🏃 Labor on the Move
Congratulations to Calvin Mackie, member of International Longshoremen's Association (ILA) Local Union 24 and 2024 alumnus of the Ruth Ellinger Leadership Academy! On May 16, he received his Computer Information Systems Associate of Arts, graduating with Highest Honors from Houston Community College!
Congratulations to Michael Armente and Michael Heim, United Steel Workers (USW) Local 13-2001’s newest members!
💐 In Memory
Communications Workers of America (CWA) Local 6150 mourns the passing of David Brown, 81. Mr. Brown was a longtime member of Austin Central Labor Council and previously served as president. He also served as president of CWA Local 6150 and was on the Texas AFL-CIO Executive Board. He volunteered as a Sergeant-at-Arms at the Texas AFL-CIO Constitutional Convention for many years. Our hearts go out to his friends and family.
Ironworkers Local Union 263 mourns the passing of Manny Esparza, 85. Mr. Esparza was a long-time Ironworker, leader, and activist in Wichita Falls. He served as Secretary-Treasurer for his union. With Walter Beeman, Mr. Esparza’s best friend, he fought mightily for the workers of Wichita Falls. Our hearts go out to his friends and family.
📜 This Week in Labor History…
83 years ago today, the United Steelworkers (USW) was established in Cleveland, Ohio, and Philip Murray, president of the disbanded Steel Workers Organizing Committee (SWOC), became the first USW president. Learn more.
SOLIDARITY CORNER: EVENTS & ACTIONS
🚨 Take Action
Send a letter to your Texas Representative urging them to stop the Death Star 2.0! This bill threatens city and county funding across the state! It would allow Gov. Greg Abbott to withhold tax dollars from local governments if he doesn’t agree with their policies. Send a letter HERE.
Send a letter to your Texas Representative urging them to VOTE NO on SB 689 and stand with workers who believe in public service for everyone. Let’s be clear: this bill does nothing to fix the real problems state workers face—low wages, burnout, and staff shortages. Instead, it scapegoats programs designed to make our workplaces more supportive and inclusive for all. Send a letter HERE.
Send a letter to your U.S. Representative urging them to enforce labor and transportation laws! Right now, freight rail companies are beginning to outsource American railway jobs, hurting union members of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen (BLET). Send a letter HERE.
Donate to support legal representation for a member of International Rescue Committee Workers Unite Texas, OPEIU Local 277 who was detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and abruptly ripped away from their home, family, livelihood, and community.
Donate to the AFGE Federal Employee Defense Fund to fund legal action and other strategies to defend American public employees.
📆 Events
TONIGHT, Thursday, May 22: Texas AFT EMERGENCY Legislative Update: House Bill 2
Join Texas AFT for a breakdown of the hundreds of pages long bill that the legislature is trying to brand as a "record-breaking" funding increase. Sign up for this virtual meeting HERE.
⭐ Friday, May 23: Deadline for Early Bird pricing for the Texas AFL-CIO 2025 Constitutional Convention
Registration is open for the Texas AFL-CIO 2025 Constitutional Convention, happening June 26-28 at the Hyatt Regency San Antonio Riverwalk.
- Purchase your early registration tickets HERE.
- Sponsorship opportunities are available! Details HERE.
Tuesday, May 27: Early Voting Begins for Texas's 2025 Local Election Runoffs
Early voting runs from Tuesday, May 27, to Tuesday, June 3. Election day is June 7. Find your polling place and preview your ballot HERE.
⭐ Wednesday, May 28: Texas-Sized Phone Bank to Support Federal Workers
Join the Texas AFL-CIO and partners for a Texas-sized virtual phone bank to support federal workers across the state! We'll call federal workers to invite them to join or rejoin their union and pay directly to their organization. Sign up HERE.
Friday, May 30 Houston: Working Families Awards Celebration
Join the Texas Gulf Coast Area Labor Federation on Friday, May 30th, to celebrate the labor movement's strength, resilience, and accomplishments by recognizing the unions that have made significant contributions to workers' rights, safety, and community empowerment. Get tickets HERE.
🇺🇸 Federal Workers: Stay Informed
Trump’s attacks on federal workers are moving at a breakneck speed. If you’re an AFGE member or federal worker, you can stay up to date and get critical questions answered at AFGE’s new one stop shop: afge.org/AFGEStrong
📸 Photos of the Week
Congratulations to UA Local 100’s 2025 graduating apprentice class! ✊
Photo courtesy UA Local 100.
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