Lone Star Labor: Labor Always Shows Up
Yesterday, the Texas House passed HB 4, Donald Trump and Greg Abbott’s mid-decade redistricting scheme that divides our state’s Black and brown communities. The Texas Senate will likely pass it on Friday.
From the beginning, labor showed up to fight not just for Texas workers, but for all Texans. We rallied, we testified, and we made sure that we were heard.
We made this fight national.
Earlier this month, we issued a joint statement with seven other state labor federations expressing solidarity against redistricting in Texas. The California Labor Federation unanimously endorsed a plan for redistricting in its state to counteract what is happening in Texas.
As our fight continues in the courts and other states, we must stay engaged. Soon, it will be our turn to help California labor on their redistricting ballot measure. We’ll be phone banking, text banking, door knocking — whatever it takes to make sure that workers across this country win this redistricting war!
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 continued work.
AS GOES TEXAS LABOR…
Statewide: Texas House approves redistricting plan, potentially boosting GOP seats ahead of midterms — CBS Austin featuring Texas AFL-CIO President Rick Levy
Big Spring: Big Spring voters to decide on firefighter bargaining rights in November — NewsWest9 featuring IAFF Local 292 (Big Spring)
Brownsville: Congressman Gonzalez, union leaders protest ‘Big, Beautiful Bill’ — ValleyCentral featuring AFT Local 3877 (Brownsville) Secretary Jolene Ramos
Corpus Christi: IAM Union Urges Texas Congressional Delegation to Halt Job Cuts at Corpus Christi Army Depot — IAM
Dallas-Fort Worth: Two companies laying off dozens in D-FW — Dallas Morning News
San Antonio: One S.A. teacher's mission: Light the path for immigrant students — San Antonio Express-News featuring Northside AFT Local 3216 member Haroon Monis
Texarkana: Union workers picket Texarkana Aluminum Plant — KTBS featuring United Steelworkers Local 9609
NEWS TO USE
Unions aren’t just good for workers—they also benefit communities and democracy — Economic Policy Institute
Unions, labor experts say sectors and workers are feeling the impacts as deportations continue — KJZZ
At least 600 CDC employees are getting final termination notices, union says — ABC News
Trump administration has proven no friend to organized labor, from attacking federal unions to paralyzing the National Labor Relations Board — The Conversation
TEXAS LABOR FAMILY NEWS
🏃 LABOR ON THE MOVE
Join NALC Branch 1221 (Victoria) in celebrating their 2025 scholarship winners: Jayden B. Sanchez (son of Angelica & Larry Sanchez) & Julian I. Zuniga (son of Michelle & John Camacho).
Congratulations to IAFF Local 5538 (Jersey Village), who recently received their IAFF charter!
Kudos to the Houston Area Plumbing Joint Apprenticeship Committee (HAPJAC) instructors of UA Local 68 (Houston), who returned from the week-long UA Instructor Training Program in Ann Arbor, Michigan!
Join IAFF Local 51 (El Paso) in congratulating Battalion Chief Fernando Zeh, who has retired after 28 years of service!
Congratulations to Teamsters Local 988 (Houston) and the workers of Shepard Exposition Services who have voted overwhelmingly to ratify a new Teamsters contract. Workers will have substantial raises and improved working conditions. ✊
💐 IN MEMORY
IAFF Local 432 in Wichita Falls mourns the passing of former Fire Chief Ronnie James.
IAFF Local 440 in Fort Worth mourns the passing of Captain Danny Cearley.
SMART Local 67 in San Antonio mourns the passing of long-time member, instructor, and retiree Jimmy Salazar.
Our hearts go out to their friends and family.
📜 THIS WEEK IN LABOR HISTORY…
On August 21, 1980, Joyce Miller, became the first woman elected to the AFL-CIO Executive Council. Read the New York Times announcement.
SOLIDARITY CORNER: EVENTS & ACTIONS
🚨 TAKE ACTION
Donate to support urgent cancer testing and surgery for Angi DeFelippo, political director for the Tarrant County Central Labor Council. From Angi: “This is one of those moments in life when I truly need my community. Every single contribution, no matter the size, brings me closer to getting this tumor out and getting my life back.” Learn more and donate HERE.
Call your member of Congress and tell them to sign the discharge petition and pass the Protect America’s Workforce Act, H.R. 2550! Call your Member HERE.
Donate to the AFGE Federal Employee Defense Fund to fund legal action and other strategies to defend American public employees.
📆 EVENTS
Friday, Aug. 22 in Houston: Oxea Chemical Informational Picket
IUOE Local 564 won a ratification vote in December, but Oxea Chemical will not come to the bargaining table. Join the picket line and help your union brothers and sisters in the battle to start negotiations. Details here.
Wednesday, Aug. 27 in Fort Worth: Retiree Rally
Join TARA for a retiree rally at Fort Worth Machinists' Hall. Details here.
Friday, Aug. 29 - Sep. 1 across the state: Texas Workers’ Labor Day events
Plan your Labor Day with events across the state! Find affiliated events 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.
JUST ANNOUNCED: Wednesday, Oct. 8 in Leander: 22nd Annual Texas AFL-CIO • Walter Umphrey Golf Tournament
Support the Texas AFL-CIO Membership Education Fund and the Texas AFL-CIO Scholarship Fund at this Four-Person scramble at the Crystal Falls Golf Course. Details & registration here.
📸 PHOTO OF THE WEEK
Teamsters Local 767 members showed up in force at the Trinity Metro Board of Directors meeting to show they’re ready for a fair contract.
Photo courtesy Teamsters Local 767
Did you enjoy this newsletter? Sign up now here to get it in your inbox!