Lone Star Labor: Protect your vote

The future of Texas families is on the ballot this election season. Our everyday cost of living, our healthcare, and our neighborhood schools depend on our collective voice.

To make sure the Texas labor movement is a powerful force this November, we need every member to check your voter registration NOW.

Over 1.2 million Texans are currently on the state’s voter “suspense” list ahead of the election. If your address changed or your mail was returned, you could be on it. Being on the list doesn't mean you can't vote, but you must confirm your status before Oct. 5.

Note: If you are registered to vote in Texas, but have moved either within your county or to a new county, you can update your address online.

Union members know better than anyone how important it is to exercise our right to vote and make our voices heard at the ballot box. It’s the heart of our democratic process—and our labor movement’s, too. Let’s show up, stand together, and fight for working families this election season.

 AS GOES TEXAS LABOR…

🏆 Houston: Harris Center employees poised to secure pay hike — Houston Observer, featuring United Workers of Harris Center (UWHC-CWA) Local 6154 Treasurer Brian Kelly

Statewide: As Texas rejects heat safeguards, thousands of workers are getting sick in extreme temperatures — Houston Chronicle, featuring Texas AFL-CIO President Leonard Aguilar

Statewide: Talarico, Hinojosa sign working-class contract as Texas labor groups target 2 million voters — San Antonio Observer, featuring Communications Workers of America (CWA) District 6 Vice President Derrick Osobase

Statewide: More professors want to leave Texas this year, citing political climate, censorship, survey says — The Dallas Morning News, featuring American Association of University Professors (AAUP-AFT)

NEWS TO USE

A quarter of all July immigration arrests happened in Texas as state stepped up cooperation with ICE — San Antonio Current

How unions help young working-class men buy homes and start families —  Center for American Progress

New report claims electronic shelf labels cost workers billions in lost wages — Progressive Grocer

🤖 AI & TECH NEWS BITE

Labor unions are Americans’ trusted voice for AI regulation. 

A recent poll by the AFL-CIO shows that American workers overwhelmingly support pro-worker protections against artificial intelligence and view labor unions as the most reliable protectors of workers from the effects of AI. 95% of the people surveyed believed a human should make the final decisions in the workplace, including firing and disciplinary actions.

TEXAS LABOR FAMILY NEWS

🏃 ON THE MOVE

United Association (UA) Plumbers Local 68 Business Representative Wayne Lord received the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO) President’s Green Oval Award for his service in support of IAPMO’s mission.

Brother James Martinez, a member of Teamsters Local 767, retired after 44 years of service.

💐 IN MEMORY

Brother James “Rusty” Green, a 38-year member of International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 301 (Texarkana), passed away on Sept. 4 at the age of 66.

Brother Ryan Lane Simpson, a member of IBEW Local 602 (Amarillo), passed away on Sept. 10 at the age of 21.

Brother Atma “Larry” Turner, a long-time member and Business Representative (1993-2002) of International Brotherhood of Boilermakers (IBB) Local 132 (La Marque), passed away on Sept. 8 at the age of 84.

Our hearts go out to their union families and all who loved them.

SOLIDARITY CORNER: EVENTS & ACTIONS

🚨 TAKE ACTION

URGENT: MAKE A CALL: 📞Tell the Senate to vote NO on the Protect College Sports Act
For decades, the corporations that run college sports worked together to stop hundreds of thousands of athletes from getting paid for the billions of dollars they generated every year. The Protect College Sports Act would disempower athletes, snuff their compensation and bust their union-organizing efforts. Can you call your senators and tell them to vote no on the Protect College Sports Act?

SIGN THE PETITION: 📝 Tell USTR to Preserve Our Domestic Tire Industry
Can you add your name to support United Steelworkers (USW)? As foreign imports spiked in the last 25 years, domestic tire output has declined by about 40%, costing thousands of jobs for American families. Tell United States Trade Representative (USTR) Jamieson Greer to develop relief measures for the domestic tire industry. Sign the petition.

DONATE: 🏌️Support the Texas AFL-CIO Scholarship Fund
The 23rd annual Texas AFL-CIO • Walter Umphrey Golf Tournament Fundraiser is less than a month away, and we need your support to stay on track. The deadline to be included in print materials is Friday, Sept. 18. Can your union or organization commit to a donation sponsorship today? 

📆 EVENTS THIS WEEK

Friday, Sept. 18 online: 👩🏻‍🏫 AFL-CIO Training - AI: Election Protection and Deepfakes
Join AFL-CIO for a training session exploring the skills you need to spot election deepfakes and uncover who's behind these tactics. Details.

Sunday, Sept. 20 in Houston: 🎺 HPMA's Festival de la Herencia Hispana
The Houston Professional Musicians’ Association (HPMA-AFM Local 65-599) is celebrating the many colors of Houston's wide Latin cultures, showcasing Houston's leading Latin musicians. Details.

Monday, Sept. 21 online: 👩🏻‍🏫Know Your Rights: Voting
Join policy experts at the ACLU of Texas to learn about the history of voting in the state of Texas, get information about voter eligibility, and learn what to do if you encounter issues at the polls. Details.

Monday, Sept. 21 in Austin: ✊ Don't Buy Prop I Rally and Press Conference
Join the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) Local 1624) and its community partners in protesting Proposition I. Details.

Wednesday, Sept. 23 online: ☎️ Virtual Union Phone Bank for Pro-Worker Candidates
Phone banking is a convenient way to make a difference from the comfort of your home. We need all hands on deck ahead of the midterm elections. Details.

Thursday, Sept. 24-Friday, Sept. 25 in Houston: ⚒️ 10th Annual Apprenticeship Texas Conference 
Join the Texas Workforce Commission in exploring apprenticeship models and collaborative workforce solutions. Details.

See all upcoming Texas labor events here.

💪 TEXAS UNION STAFF JOBS

• Campaign Field Coordinator (Statewide) — AFL-CIO
• Law Clerks (Remote) — American Association of University Professors (AAUP)

📸 PHOTO OF THE WEEK

United Auto Workers (UAW) members in Grand Prairie prepared for the November election by registering to vote at their worksites this week.

Photo courtesy of UAW Local 276

Did you enjoy this newsletter? Sign up here to get it in your inbox!