Lone Star Labor: ¡Sí, se puede!
The labor movement lost a legend this week with the passing of civil and labor rights leader Dolores Huerta. Throughout her incredible lifetime, Dolores modeled that real change only happens when we stand together and use our voices to fight for a better future.
With Election Day just around the corner, billionaires are making their final move. Out-of-state wealthy donors and corporate interests are sinking millions of dollars into this election, trying to buy our state and silence everyday workers.
We know their playbook. They want to slash funding for our public schools, dismantle workplace safety regulations, and kill the unions that build this state. They think their deep pockets can outmatch our collective power, but it’s time to show them how wrong they are.
We do not honor a fighter like Dolores with moments of silence. We honor her with noise, action, and votes. This is our last chance to leave it all out of the field for our pro-worker candidates.
Vote if you haven’t yet. You have until Oct. 30 to vote early and Election Day is Nov 3.
Your vote is worth protecting. Let’s make sure every vote is counted this election, especially as corrupt politicians threaten our right to cast a ballot.
Our communities trust union members to hold the line. Save the Election Protection Hotline number in your phone now: 𝟖𝟔𝟔-𝐎𝐔𝐑-𝐕𝐎𝐓𝐄 just in case you encounter questions or issues at the polls.
Dolores’ rallying cry, “¡Sí se puede!” pledged that when workers fight, workers win. Let’s keep that pledge at the ballot box this election.
AS GOES TEXAS LABOR…
Statewide: Texas teachers are fed up. Could Gov. Greg Abbott pay the price at the polls? — Fort Worth Star-Telegram, featuring Texas American Federation of Teachers (AFT) President Zeph Capo
Austin: Council approves union-backed resolution that prioritizes hiring local workers when Convention Center reopens — KXAN, featuring International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) Local 205 and the Austin Area Central Labor Council
Austin: Labor activist Dolores Huerta's legacy lives on within Austin — KVUE, featuring Texas AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer Lorraine Montemayor
Dallas: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders unionize, will begin collective bargaining — Dallas Morning News, featuring The Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders Association (DCCA)
Houston: New mural honors Houston father killed by ICE agent as family continues push for answers — KHOU, featuring Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Texas President Elsa Flores
Houston: How one huge labor union is reaching this election’s swing voters — Semafor, featuring UNITE HERE Local 23
McAllen: Educators discuss Long Game documentary, Midterm elections — Rio Grande Guardian, featuring RGV American Federation of Teachers (AFT)
NEWS TO USE
Trump’s immigration crackdown disrupts U.S. food supply, agriculture leaders say — Washington Post
The new worst-case scenario for election officials: Federal interference — The New York Times
Life feeling too Expensive? It’s not just you. And it’s not just inflation. — The New York Times
🤖 AI & TECH NEWS BITE
Unions are leading the way for AI regulation to protect workers’ rights.
The AFL-CIO is drafting its own “gold-standard” AI legislation for Congress to pass next session, prioritizing workers’ rights, data and privacy protections, and job safety.
Across the political spectrum, workers are concerned that AI will threaten their privacy, freedoms, and economic security—and don’t believe their employers are doing enough. 90% of Americans want elected officials to pass pro-worker AI regulations and trust unions more than any political party to deliver.
TEXAS LABOR FAMILY NEWS
🏃 ON THE MOVE
SEIU Texas President Elsa Flores and UNITE HERE Local 23 Secretary-Treasurer Willy Gonzalez received the Hispanic Heritage public service award from Houston Mayor John Whitmire this week.
💐 IN MEMORY
Sister Dolores Huerta, co-founder and vice president of the United Farmworkers Movement and legendary labor and civil rights leader, passed away on Oct. 28 at age 96.
Our hearts go out to their union families and all who loved them.
SOLIDARITY CORNER: EVENTS & ACTIONS
🚨 TAKE ACTION
SIGN UP: 👟 Block walk and make calls for our pro-labor candidates
If each one of us signed up for one volunteer shift, we would have what we need to win this election. We have plenty of different ways to get involved with our member to member program. Sign up now.
📆 EVENTS THIS WEEK
LAST CHANCE TO EARLY VOTE: Friday, Oct. 30 statewide: 🗳️ Early Voting Ends
This is your last day to vote until Election Day, Nov. 3. Details.
Friday, Oct. 30 in Houston: ☎️ UNITE HERE Phone Bank
Join UNITE HERE and the Texas Gulf Coast Area Labor Federation to call union members for our pro-worker candidates. Details.
Saturday, Oct. 31 👟 Union Block Walks:
Sunday, Nov. 1 in Austin: 🦋 Dia De los Muertos
Join us for a late afternoon honoring Dia de los Muertos and our lost loved ones whose memories live on through our families, traditions, and stories shared. Details.
Sunday, Nov. 1 through Tuesday, Nov. 3: 🗳️👟☎️ Final GOTV Blitz!
Join the Texas AFL-CIO and local labor leaders for our final Get Out the Vote Blitz! Knock doors, make calls, or send texts to help us finish strong. Details.
Tuesday, Nov. 3 statewide: 🗳️ Election Day
Election Day is your last chance to vote for our pro-worker candidates. Encourage your friends, family, co-workers, and neighbors to vote and drive them to the polls! Every vote counts. Details.
See all upcoming Texas labor events here.
📝APPLICATIONS & PROGRAMS
Early Bird pricing ends Oct. 31: ✊ AFL-CIO Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Civil and Human Rights Conference in Washington, DC
The AFL-CIO is hosting its annual conference in the nation’s capital this January, continuing Dr. King’s legacy of civil rights and labor solidarity. Details.
Regular pricing ends Nov. 5: ✊ Texas AFL-CIO Women’s Summit in San Marcos, TX
Registration is open for the 2026 Texas AFL-CIO Women’s Summit from Nov. 20-22 in San Marcos, TX. Can we count on you or your members to join us?
💪 TEXAS UNION STAFF JOBS
Construction Instructional Coordinator (Austin) — Texas Climate Jobs Project
📸 PHOTO OF THE WEEK
The North Texas Area Labor Federation, joined by Texas AFL-CIO President Leonard Aguilar, swore in its inaugural Executive Board after its historic first election. We know they will continue to build worker power in North Texas!
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