Lone Star Labor: Texas Workers Unite!
No matter our age, where we’re from, who we voted for, or who we love, in the labor movement we’re united in the fight to protect and expand workers’ rights.
Fair wages. Safe working conditions. Dignity on the job — for all workers. And at the Texas AFL-CIO, we’ll work with anyone who believes in that vision of a better Texas.
The fight for our lives isn’t between Democrats and Republicans, it’s between workers and billionaires. Workers and greedy corporations. Workers and the bosses who cut corners or pay poverty wages.
That’s why more than ever, it’s important for us to organize, strategize, and show up for each other. This weekend, Senator Bernie Sanders is bringing his Fighting Oligarchy Tour to the Lone Star State, spotlighting Texas labor leaders along the way. If you’re able to, turn up in your union gear to support our brothers and sisters. Details are in our Events section below!
AS GOES TEXAS LABOR…
Watch #NoKings speeches from union leaders across the state:
- Fort Worth: Tevita 'Uhatafe, TWU Local 567 member
- Houston: Hany Khalil, Texas Gulf Coast Area Labor Federation executive director
- San Antonio: Alejandra Lopez, San Antonio Alliance president
- Thank you to our many other speakers, tablers, and volunteers across the state!
Amarillo: New JBS union deal boosts wages, adds pension for Cactus workers — Amarillo Globe-News, featuring an in-depth interview with Celestino Rivera, secretary-treasurer and packinghouse director for United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Local 540
Austin: Sindicatos del sector construcción apuestan a profesionalización en áreas de alta demanda — Telemundo Austin, featuring Texas AFL-CIO Organizing & Advocacy Director Ana Gonzalez, Texas Climate Jobs Project’s Workforce Development Director Natalie Obregon, and recent graduates of the UA Local 286 registered pre-apprenticeship program
Houston: ART VALET: A day in Houston’s art scene — The Leader featuring Jim Capfer, secretary-treasurer of International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) Local 51
Statewide: More people died at work in Texas in 2024 than in any other state, data shows — San Antonio Express-News
NEWS TO USE
The president of the AFL-CIO says she’s committed to the fight against Trump’s immigration policies — Fortune featuring Liz Shuler, AFL-CIO president
AI boom boosting demand for electricians — just not in SF — San Francisco Examiner featuring Price Warwick III, business manager of International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 20 in Dallas
Many unions were once wary of immigrants. Now they march alongside them. — Marketplace
The Escalating, Bloody Exploitation of Meat Workers Under Trump — The American Prospect
TEXAS LABOR FAMILY NEWS
🏃 Labor on the Move
Congratulations to the IAFF Local 341 members in Houston who were awarded the Harris Health Ben Taub Hospital EMS Award for providing outstanding pre-hospital care on a call that occurred in March.
Congratulations to Daniel Perrigin of IBEW Local 66 in Houston, who recently topped out to Journeyman Lineman!
Kudos to the Houston Professional Fire Fighters Association (HPFFA), IAFF Local 341, whose HPFFA Charitable Foundation is donating more than $246,000 in life-saving equipment to the Houston Fire Department!.
💐 In Memory
UA Local 286 mourns the passing of Jesse Hernandez, 73. Our hearts go out to his friends and family.
IAM District 776 mourns the passing of Dave Ebenstein. Our hearts go out to his friends and family.
📜 This Week in Labor History…
On June 19, 1912, President Taft signed a provision into law that limited the workday for federally contracted employees to eight hours. Read the text of the law here.
SOLIDARITY CORNER: EVENTS & ACTIONS
🚨 Take Action
Support rail workers: Send a letter to your U.S. Representative urging them to enforce labor and transportation laws! Right now, freight rail companies are beginning to outsource American railway jobs, hurting union members of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen (BLET). Send a letter HERE.
Donate to the AFGE Federal Employee Defense Fund to fund legal action and other strategies to defend American public employees.
Donate to support medical and family expenses for Ken Zarifis, president of Education Austin. Ken is a force in the Texas labor movement. Earlier this month, he was in a car accident and remains in the ICU. Please consider donating or sending well wishes.
📆 Events
Friday, Jun. 20 in Dallas: Texas AFT Hands Off Our Future Rally
Join members of the Texas AFT and AFGE Local 252 for a rally to protect our children’s futures and stop cuts to the U.S. Department of Education! RSVP here.
Friday, Jun. 20 in McAllen: Fighting Oligarchy Tour featuring Texas Labor Leaders
Featuring Texas AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer Leonard Aguilar and McAllen AFT member Veronica Guerrero. Doors open at 4:30pm. Free parking is available onsite. RSVP here.
Saturday, Jun. 21 in Crosby: Stationary Engineer Open House
The International Union of Operating Engineers (IUOE) Local 564 is inviting all Houston-area stationary engineer license holders to an Open House at the International Training and Education Center (ITEC). A free lunch is provided. RSVP here.
Sunday, Jun. 22 in Amarillo: Fighting Oligarchy Tour featuring Texas Labor Leaders
Featuring Texas AFL-CIO President Rick Levy and USW District 13 Staff Representative Jose Loya. Doors open at 11:30am. Free parking is available onsite. RSVP here.
Sunday, Jun. 22 in Fort Worth: Fighting Oligarchy Tour featuring Texas Labor Leaders
Featuring UAW Local 278 member Pauline Mims, TWU Local 567 member Tevita ‘Uhatafe, and IAM Union International President Brian Bryant. Doors open at 3:30pm. Paid parking is available onsite and in nearby garages. RSVP here.
Thursday, Jun. 26 to Saturday, Jun. 28 in San Antonio: Texas AFL-CIO 2025 Constitutional Convention
Join us in one week at our Constitutional Convention to hear from Liz Shuler (AFL-CIO), Brent Booker (LiUNA), Everett Kelley (AFGE), and many more labor leaders! This year’s theme is “A Labor Movement as Big as Texas!” Register here.
📝 Applications & Programs
The Austin Chapter of National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) 2025-2026 Scholarships: Multiple awards are available. Visit the link for eligibility and to download the application, which is due Friday, July 25.
CES's Brighter Future Scholarship: 10 eligible candidates will receive $2,000 toward their education and a Milwaukee® Tool starter tool kit. Visit the link for eligibility and application information. The deadline to apply is June 30, 2025.
🇺🇸 Federal Workers: Stay Informed
Trump’s attacks on federal workers are moving at a breakneck speed. If you’re an AFGE member or federal worker, you can stay up to date and get critical questions answered at AFGE’s new one-stop shop: afge.org/AFGEStrong
📸 Photo of the Week
Congratulations to the graduates of UA Local 286’s Registered Pre-Apprenticeship program! On Wednesday morning, UA Local 286’s Training Center hosted NABTU’s national Opportunity Pipeline Tour. NABTU President Sean McGarvey was on hand to congratulate the graduates and welcome them into the labor family.
Did you enjoy this newsletter? Sign up now here!
PS: Lone Star Labor will pause for a week while we’re at our Constitutional Convention. We hope to see you there!