Lone Star Labor: We’re taking this fight national.
Right now, the Texas House Democrats are denying quorum to fight the Trump takeover of our state and block his redistricting scheme.
But Trump isn’t stopping in Texas. He’s targeting Missouri, Ohio, Florida, and every state he can twist to help him steal Congress next year. That’s why we’re taking this fight national.
This week, we banded together with the California Federation of Labor Unions, Florida AFL-CIO, Illinois AFL-CIO, Missouri AFL-CIO, New York State AFL-CIO, Ohio AFL-CIO, and Washington State Labor Council (WSLC) AFL-CIO to release a joint solidarity statement:
“We are at a pivotal moment in our country — the future of our unions, our democracy, and our freedoms is at stake. Donald Trump is desperately trying to rig the rules in his favor by demanding a corrupt, rigged redistricting process in Texas, and he won’t stop there.
“As labor leaders from across the country, we are in strong solidarity with Texas workers in this fight — because we know this will affect every single worker across the country.
“In our blue states, we’ll support any and all efforts to make sure that workers' rights across this country are protected, including fighting to redistrict ourselves if that is what it takes.
“In our red states, we will fight for fair maps and strongly stand against the corrupt political actions in Texas, because we know any one of us could be next.
“If people are robbed of their voting rights in Texas and this corruption is allowed to grow, if Trump keeps his control of Congress, it will mean working people will pay the price. We urge every person of conscience to speak out, put workers over billionaires, and fight back alongside us.”
Let’s be clear: this fight started in Texas, but it doesn’t end here. It’s about the future of our democracy. Trump knows that he can't win on his ideas so he is trying to steal congress - and he's doing it by silencing the voices of communities of color. We’re not going to let that happen.
That’s why we’re organizing a National Day of Action on Saturday, August 16, to fight back against the Trump takeover of our country. Join us in Austin, or plan your own event, and keep up the fight!
CENTRAL TEXAS FLOOD RESOURCES & HOW TO HELP
We’ve compiled a list of resources and how to help here. Thank you to all of our emergency responders for their work during this crisis.
AS GOES TEXAS LABOR…
Statewide: State Labor Federations Team Up to Fight 'Corrupt, Rigged Redistricting' by Trump's GOP — Common Dreams, featuring the Texas AFL-CIO
Houston: Houston Federation of Teachers Sues Houston ISD for Denying State-Funded Teacher Raises, Violating HB 2 — Texas AFT
Houston: Republicans are gerrymandering Texas for Trump — More Perfect Union, featuring Resha Thomas with SEIU Texas and Rick Levy with the Texas AFL-CIO
Rosenberg: 50 bus drivers are unionizing with Transport Workers Union (TWU)
Temple / Waco: Veterans who work in Texas VA Health System: ‘The Dam’s Gonna Break’ — Texas Observer, featuring AFGE Local 1822 members & retirees
Austin: Activistas y legisladores marchan en Austin defendiendo el derecho al voto y la democracia — Telemundo Austin, featuring Ana Gonzalez with the Texas AFL-CIO
NEWS TO USE
‘CA Labor Federation backs special election to redraw congressional maps – Times of San Diego
Trump Administration Begins to Strip Federal Workers of Union Protections — New York Times
VA terminates most of its union contracts, appearing to disregard OPM guidance — Government Executive
More than 3,000 Boeing workers begin strike after rejecting a contract offer — NPR
All major Las Vegas Strip casinos are now unionized in historic labor victory — ABC News
TEXAS LABOR FAMILY NEWS
🏃 LABOR ON THE MOVE
We celebrate with IAFF Local 341 (Houston) the dedication of E-13 in memory of Captain WIlliam Gunderson, who died in the line of duty on April 2, 2021.
Congratulations to Carmelo Castle, the first student in Texas to graduate from a high school plumbing program, pass the state exam, and walk straight into the workforce, with Plumbers Local Union 68 (Houston).
Many thanks to Linda White and Becky Moeller of Corpus Christi American Federation of Teachers for volunteering at the Calallen New Teacher Orientation to make sure new teachers know labor has their backs!
📜 THIS WEEK IN LABOR HISTORY…
On August 3, 1981, over 12,000 members of the Professional Air Traffic Controllers Organization (PATCO) went on strike after unsuccessful contract negotiations with the FAA. On August 5, 1981, Ronald Reagan fired those who did not return to work and blacklisted them from government employment thereafter. Learn more.
SOLIDARITY CORNER: EVENTS & ACTIONS
🚨 TAKE ACTION
NEW - Fight the Trump Takeover: 3 ways to take action
- Send a letter to your state representative telling them to reject this corrupt redistricting process!
- Thank the representatives who broke quorum and are fighting for our rights!
- Join us for the Fight the Trump Takeover National Day of Action on Saturday, Aug. 16.
NEW - Donate to support urgent cancer testing and surgery for Angi DeFelippo, political director for the Tarrant County Central Labor Council. From Angi: “This is one of those moments in life when I truly need my community. Every single contribution, no matter the size, brings me closer to getting this tumor out and getting my life back.” Learn more and donate HERE.
Call your member of Congress and tell them to sign the discharge petition and pass the Protect America’s Workforce Act, H.R. 2550! Call your Member HERE.
Donate to the AFGE Federal Employee Defense Fund to fund legal action and other strategies to defend American public employees.
📆 EVENTS
Thursday, Aug. 7 in Harlingen: Rio Grande Valley Labor Town Hal
Texas AFL-CIO President Rick Levy and Secretary-Treasurer Leonard Aguilar are hitting the road to hear from YOU about what the future of the Texas labor movement should look like. Details HERE.
Saturday, Aug. 9 in San Antonio: EMCookout with AFSCME Local 2021
Join AFSCME Local 2021 for their EMCookout with games, fun, food, petitions, and more! Details HERE.
Thursday, Aug. 14 in San Antonio: Celebrating 99 Years of SSA
Join the Coalition of Black Trade Unionists and other community members in the celebration of 90 years of the Social Security Administration! Details HERE.
Saturday, Aug. 16 in Austin: Fight the Trump Takeover Rally at the Capitol
Folks from all over the country are coming together in solidarity with Texas to demand lawmakers put people first. Join us in Austin for this National Day of Action! Details HERE.
- All national events will be promoted here: fightthetrumptakeover.com
Friday, Sep. 5 through Sunday, Sep. 7 in Dallas: Texas YALL’s 2025 Hot Labor Summer Summit
Join the Texas Young Active Labor Leaders (YALL) for the 2025 Hot Labor Summer Summit. Any union members 40 years old or younger are welcome to join YALL. Details & registration here.
📝 APPLICATIONS & PROGRAMS
Enter Unions Power America Sweepstakes: Grand Prize of $40,000
This summer, Union Plus is giving away more than $300,000 to celebrate union members. Enter by August 18th! For details and sweepstakes entry, visit unionplus.org/laborday.
📸 PHOTO OF THE WEEK
Earlier this week, members from AFSCME Local 1624 (Austin) showed up, spoke out, and proudly represented public service workers at the Travis County Commissioners Court.
Did you enjoy this newsletter? Sign up now here to get it in your inbox!