News

Lone Star Labor: Texas labor is all-in for Talarico

TEXAS AFL-CIO
Social share icons

Yesterday, the Texas AFL-CIO Committee on Political Education (COPE) announced its official endorsement of Rep. James Talarico for U.S. Senate.

James understands that our fight isn’t about red vs. blue, it’s about top vs. bottom — and he’s ready to take on the billionaires and defend Texas workers. With the full power of the Texas labor movement behind his people-powered campaign, we can elect a pro-worker champion to the U.S. Senate in November.

“I’m honored to receive the endorsement of the Texas AFL-CIO as we continue building a movement to take power back for working people in Texas and across the country,” Talarico said. “Winning this election will ensure our workers and union members receive the representation they deserve in Washington — representation that stands up and fights for higher wages, better benefits, and an economy that works for all of us instead of just the wealthy few.”

We will fight shoulder-to-shoulder with James to make sure workers take back our power. 

But first, we have some primary runoffs to win! View our 2026 Primary Runoff Endorsements here, and our full 2026 General Election Pro-Worker Endorsements here.

AS GOES TEXAS LABOR...

Austin: Texas higher-ed leaders urge lawmakers to reassess support ahead of midterms — CBS Austin featuring American Federation of Teachers (AFT) President Randi Weingarten, American Association of University Professors (AAUP) President Todd Wolfson, AAUP Texas A&M-College Station Chapter President Dr. Leonard Bright, and Texas AFT  

Austin: Austin employees union opposes plan to centralize city IT services — KXAN featuring American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees Local 1624 (Austin AFSCME)

Austin: IT firings in Austin raise 'even more questions' about tech consolidation plan, union says — Austin American-Statesman featuring AFSCME Local 1624 President Brydan Summers, Business Manager Carol Guthrie, and member David Cruz

Childress: Coordination, proactive organizing help Local 49 prepare for opportunities in Texas, New Mexico — SMART featuring International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers (SMART) International Organizer Willy Solorzano and SMART Local 49 (Lubbock)

Fort Worth: Op-Ed: Patrick blames Republicans for Fort Worth loss. Will that work this fall? — Fort Worth Star-Telegram featuring International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) Texas State Council President Sen. Taylor Rehmet (SD 9)

Statewide: Federal retirement backlog leaves thousands of postal workers without benefits — CBS News Texas

NEWS TO USE

Trump’s foreign farm worker policy criticized by both unions and ‘America First’ groups — Texas Standard

Trump worker heat program removes inspection goals — E&E News By Politico 

APWU launches ad campaign promoting mail voting as Trump seeks to limit it — PBS

‘Power in the hands of people’: National union leaders push to revive ailing US labor movement — The Guardian

AI & TECH NEWS BITE

AFL-CIO AI Summit Highlights
Watch the panels below to learn how worker- and equity-centered AI innovation can benefit everyone — not just investors. The labor movement is ready to make sure workers have a seat at the table to shape our workplaces for the future.

TEXAS LABOR FAMILY NEWS

🏃 LABOR ON THE MOVE

Congratulations to International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) Local 51 (El Paso), whose firefighters received an ISO Class 1 rating, representing the highest level of fire protection standard awarded by the Insurance Services Office (ISO).

Solidarity with San Antonio Alliance of Teachers and Support Personnel Local 67, Communications Workers of America (CWA) District 6, and other allies from The Schools Our Students Deserve Coalition, who hosted a Solidarity School for labor and community leaders!

SOLIDARITY CORNER: EVENTS & ACTIONS

🚨 TAKE ACTION

SHARE or DONATE to GoFundMe pages for Texas union members:

CALL YOUR SENATORS: Tell Your Senators: Don’t Make Voting Harder for Working People! The SAVE America Act would make it harder for millions of Americans to vote. Call your senators and tell them to stop this voter suppression bill. Take action here.

DELETE THE STARBUCKS APP: Stand with Starbucks Workers United! Union baristas are calling on Starbucks customers to #DeleteTheApp to show Starbucks that you stand with baristas, not billion-dollar companies. Take action here.

📆 EVENTS THIS WEEK

Tuesday, Apr. 20, Statewide: Workers Memorial Day
We’re keeping track of Workers Memorial Day events happening statewide. View the list of events here.

Monday, Apr. 20 in College Station: Rally for Academic Freedom
The AAUP Texas A&M-College Station Chapter is rallying to stand up for professors' rights to teach, research, and speak freely. Details.

Friday, May 1, Statewide: May Day
We’re keeping track of May Day events happening statewide supported by Central Labor Councils and Area Labor Federations: 

Want to be on the May Day Events list? Please take a few minutes to share your council’s May Day 2026 plans, priorities, and needs. This will help us coordinate and make sure we’re aligned across the state. Fill out the form.

Get your May Day toolkit: The AFL-CIO created a May Day toolkit with graphics, sample social and email language, talking points, actions, and guidance for workers. Get the toolkit here.

JUST ANNOUNCED: Tuesday, May 12 in Amarillo: Amarillo Labor Town Hall 
Join us for our next Labor Town Hall to talk about the future of the labor movement and our state. Details.

See all upcoming Texas labor events here.

📝 APPLICATIONS, PROGRAMS, & TRAININGS

AFL-CIO Upcoming Trainings:

Due May 1: Apply for a 2026 Texas AFL-CIO Career-Building Scholarship! Each year, the Texas AFL-CIO awards $1,500 scholarships to affiliated union members who have returned to school to advance their careers. Learn more and apply here.

📸 PHOTO OF THE WEEK

SEIU Texas members were at Houston City Hall this week to demand higher pay for workers at the George R. Brown Convention Center and contracted by the city. No one should have to choose between paying bills and putting food on the table!

SEIU Texas members stand in front of Houston City Hall

Photo via SEIU Texas

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