Lone Star Labor: Take Action for Texas Workers
We’re now on day 29 of Trump’s federal government shutdown. Across Texas, federal workers and contractors are missing paychecks and struggling to make ends meet.
How long could you go without a paycheck? For most of us in our current economy, that would be an immediate emergency. For thousands of Texans, this question isn’t hypothetical. They’re picking up part-time jobs, taking out loans, and figuring out new ways to provide for their families. Some essential federal employees can’t supplement their income because they’re required to continue working without pay. That includes air traffic controllers and TSA workers.
It’s our neighbors, friends, and family who are directly impacted by this shutdown. Texas is home to the third-most federal workers in the country (behind California and DC), and the highest number of American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) members.
And now, the Trump Administration is planning to let SNAP benefits expire. Workers are under attack from all sides — and more than 3.5 million Texans rely on SNAP.
This situation is not hopeless. Unions have historically stepped up when the systems meant to work for the people are attacked. We have an opportunity to make sure our union brothers and sisters make it through to the other side of this shutdown.
Here’s how you can help:
- Tell Congress to stop the Trump shutdown, fix the health care crisis, and put working people first! Trump has shut down the government, choosing chaos and pain over responsible governing. Take two minutes to tell Congress to fund the government and put working people first. Take action here.
- Join with Texas labor and donate today to help feed Texas families. We’re partnering with Feeding Texas, a network of 20 food banks, to make sure families across the state get the food and support they need. Your donation helps put food on the table for workers and families during this critical time. Donate here.
AS GOES TEXAS LABOR…
Dallas: EPA worker furloughed in shutdown worries more for essential employees — CBS News Texas featuring AFGE Local 1003 President Justin Chen
San Antonio: Big Tech is paying millions to train teachers on AI, in a push to bring chatbots into classrooms — Associated Press featuring Northside AFT President Melina Espiritu-Azocar
Statewide: Texas can’t keep up with surge in workers’ wage theft complaints — Texas Observer
Statewide: Federal special education cuts alarm those who remember Texas' illegal special education cap — San Antonio Express-News featuring Texas AFT
Laredo: El Metro employees strike over contract terms, call for fair negotiations — LMTonline featuring Teamsters Local 657 President Frank Perkins
NEWS TO USE
Judge extends order barring the Trump administration from firing federal workers during the shutdown — PBS
Under the government shutdown, NLRB cases are on hold and the future of the agency remains uncertain — Economic Policy Institute
Starbucks workers union to begin voting on strike amid stalled contract talks — Reuters
How Major Labor Unions are Positioning on AI — Tech Policy Press
If the WNBA doesn’t reach a CBA agreement by Friday’s deadline, what’s next? — New York Times ($)
TEXAS LABOR FAMILY NEWS
🏃 LABOR ON THE MOVE
Congratulations to Alex Rias, the new AFL-CIO Director of Civil, Human and Women’s Rights!
Roxanne Brown will be the next United Steelworkers (USW) International President, effective March 1, 2026. Brown will be the USW’s tenth international president and the first woman to lead the union.
Brittany Anderson is the new Executive Director of Pride At Work, the official AFL-CIO constituency group for LGBTQIA+ union members and workers.
Congratulations to Pipe Fitters Local 211 Business Manager Bryan Edwards! On Oct. 28, Houston Mayor John Whitmire honored him with a “Bryan Edwards Day” proclamation for his leadership and service.
Congratulations to IBEW Local 66 (Pasadena) brother Shawn Greenstreet, who topped out as journeyman lineman!
💐 IN MEMORY
Teamsters Local 767 in Forest Hill mourns the passing of sister Dusty Soles and brother Jeremy Robert Cook.
UAW Local 848 in Grand Prairie mourns the passing of brother Mitch Cantrell.
Pipe Fitters Local 211 in Houston mourns the passing of brother Glen O. Caraway and brother Benjamin Askins.
Our hearts go out to their friends and family.
SOLIDARITY CORNER: EVENTS & ACTIONS
🚨 TAKE ACTION
Add your name: Stand up against layoffs at the Harris Center! The Harris Center has laid off 175 workers this year, with more planned for next year. Join United Workers of Harris Center (UWHC) - CWA Local 6154, and tell Harris Center leadership to protect the workers who are the backbone of Harris County’s mental health services. Take action here.
Defend Free Speech at Texas State University! Faculty, staff, and students are being punished for exercising their First Amendment rights. Contact the Board of Regents to tell them free speech suppression harms Texas State and is just plain wrong. Take action here.
Tell Greg Abbott: Hands Off Our Freedom of Speech! Greg Abbott is calling for the firing of educators for opinions shared on their personal social media accounts. Take 2 minutes to tell him you won’t stand for this authoritarianism! Take action here.
📆 EVENTS THIS WEEK
Friday, Oct. 31 virtually: Leadership: Courage During Difficult Times
Discuss ways to tap into our bravery, to be inspired by history, and to hone our skills in this challenging moment for workers. Details here.
Friday, Oct. 31 statewide: Last day of early voting
This is your last day to early vote. Some polling locations will offer extended hours. Details here.
Saturday, Nov. 1 in Houston: Union Block Walk: Houston City Council At-Large 4 & HISD Trustee
Join the Gulf Coast AFL-CIO for a union block walk. You’ll talk to local union members about turn out for labor-endorsed candidates in the November 2025 election. Details here.
Saturday, Nov. 1 in Brownsville: Union Block Walk for BISD Bond (Prop A & B)
Join your fellow workers and community members for a block walk where you'll talk to union members across BISD and encourage them to vote YES on Prop A and B. Details here.
Saturday, Nov. 1 in Austin: Union Block Walk: Yes on Austin's Prop Q
Join Austin union members for a block walk to urge our neighbors to vote YES on Prop Q! Sign up now to help save our vital services! Details here.
Monday, Nov. 3 in Houston: Union Phone Bank: Houston City Council At-Large 4 and ISD Races
Join the Gulf Coast AFL-CIO to call union members and help elect labor-endorsed candidates for City Council At-Large 4, HISD, CY-Fair ISD, and Aldine ISD races. Details here.
Tuesday, Nov. 4 statewide: Election Day!
This is your final chance to vote in the November election. Details here.
Tuesday, Nov. 4 virtually: Union Text Bank: Houston City Council At-Large 4 and ISD Races
Join this virtual text bank to GOTV for labor-endorsed candidates for City Council At-Large 4, HISD, CY-Fair ISD, and Aldine ISD races. Details here.
Thursday, Nov. 6 in San Antonio: Labor Legislative Debrief with Senator José Menéndez
Join the San Antonio AFL-CIO and Senator Jose Menendez for a labor legislative debrief. This event is for union members of affiliated local unions only. Details here.
See all upcoming Texas labor events here.
📝 APPLICATIONS & PROGRAMS
2026 Ruth Ellinger Leadership Academy
Applications due Monday, Nov. 3! This one-year training program is a skill-building and leadership development course managed by the Texas AFL-CIO to help grow and support the next generation of union leaders in Texas. Apply here.
📸 PHOTO OF THE WEEK
Despite heavy rain, more than 80 union members representing nearly 20 different unions came together at our Houston Labor Town Hall to talk about organizing for better workplaces, standing up against the billionaires, and holding our elected officials accountable.
Stay tuned for the next stops on our Listening Tour so you can join in on the discussion when we drop by a union hall near you.
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