News

Lone Star Labor: Support union-first candidates

Texas AFL-CIO
Social share icons

For the first time in recent memory, we have 16 rank and file union members on the ballot this November. 

Voters trust unions more than any political party. That’s why Texans are connecting with these pro-worker candidates who will stand up against greedy corporations. 

At our 2026 Texas Labor Votes Kickoff this week, we talked about how union voters, like most people, are highly cynical about politics. We’re sick of the same lies from politicians who care more about wealthy corporations and billionaire donors than they do about making our lives better. 

In this polarized environment, authentic messages from credible messengers — like fellow union members — will break through. That’s why we need your help. 

1️⃣ Check your voter registration:

If you recently changed addresses or changed your name, you may need to update your voter registration. Visit voteTexas.gov and click the "Am I Registered to Vote?" portal to check. If your status line says "Suspense," your voter profile needs an address update.

2️⃣ Sign up for a union phone bank or block walk:

We have plenty of virtual and in-person opportunities to get involved! Check out the list here, and bring a friend. With only 62 days ‘til Election Day, we must all do our part to elect union-first candidates.

 AS GOES TEXAS LABOR…

Austin: Nurses in Austin join nationwide protest against AI firm Palantir's role in healthcare — KUT News, featuring National Nurses United (NNU) member Monica Gonzalez

El Paso: UTEP Athletics Announces IBEW as Jersey Patch Partner for football — BVM Sports, featuring International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 583 Treasurer Dave Leno

Houston: Labor Unions Celebrate Recent Victories — Houston Press, featuring the UNITE HERE Local 23 member Brian Garcia, Texas Gulf Coast Area Labor Federation, and Texas AFL-CIO President Leonard Aguilar

NEWS TO USE

Unions gain ground among voters in both parties — Semafor

Workers’ rights are plummeting under Trump—and the world is taking notice — In These Times

Everything you need to know about anti-union “right-to-work” laws— Economic Policy Institute

🤖 AI & TECH NEWS BITE

Trust workers, not cost-cutting measures that put profit over people! In Austin, National Nurses United (NNU) members and their allies joined nationwide protests against Palantir, an artificial intelligence firm that manages scheduling and staffing of over one-fifth of all U.S. hospital beds. 

Nurses report that its app Timpani is removing hospital’s local managers from crucial staffing decisions and worsening the nationwide nursing staffing crises. Palantir is also contracted by ICE and operates ELITE, an app used by immigration officials to identify people for deportation using improperly obtained Medicaid data. 

TEXAS LABOR FAMILY NEWS

🏃 ON THE MOVE

Teamsters Local 767 recently celebrated its member Sister Monica Johnson on her retirement after 27 years of service. 

IBEW Local 278 donated $1,500 to C.B Yeager Elementary School in Corpus Christi.

United Auto Workers (UAW) Local 276 joined calls for justice and accountability following the deaths of six people incarcerated at the Tarrant County jail in recent months.

💐 IN MEMORY

Brother James Richard Romero, a 31-year member of United Association (UA) Pipe Fitters Local 211, Zone 195 (Nederland), passed away on Aug. 22 at the age of 82.

Brother Glen Harold Drake Jr., a 50-year member of UA Plumbers and Steam Fitters Local 389 (Lubbock), passed away on Sept. 1 at the age of 81.

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

SOLIDARITY CORNER: EVENTS & ACTIONS

🚨 TAKE ACTION

BOYCOTT STARBUCKS: Sign the Pledge with Starbucks Workers United 
Workers are demanding that Starbucks finalize a fair union contract with better pay and staffing, and to stop violating U.S. labor law. Sign the boycott pledge. 

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. Can your union or organization commit to a donation sponsorship today?  

MAKE A CALL: Tell the Senate to Pass the Protect America’s Workforce Act
Since President Trump’s first executive order in March stripped away collective bargaining rights from one million working people, his administration has canceled the contracts of nearly 450,000 federal workers. Urge your senators to co-sponsor the Protect America’s Workforce Act to restore federal workers’ union rights.

📆 EVENTS THIS WEEK

✊ Texas Labor Day Events:

Wednesday, Sep. 9 online: ☎️ Virtual Union Phone Bank
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, Sep. 10 online: ☎️ AFSCME Texas Phone Bank
Join the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) in phone banking for our labor-endorsed U.S. Senate candidate James Talarico. Log on early for a phone bank training. Details.

See all upcoming Texas labor events here.

📸 PHOTO OF THE WEEK

This week, Texas State Employees Union (TSEU-CWA Local 6186) rallied for tenured history professor Dr. Tom Alter during his public plea hearing challenging his termination by Texas State University.

Members of the Texas State Employees Union (TSEU-CWA Local 6186) stand in front of Hays County courthouse with signs that say "Defend Free Speech" in support of Dr. Tom Alter.

Photo courtesy TSEU-CWA 6186

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