Lone Star Labor: When We Organize, We Win for Our Community

This week, nurses at St. Joseph Health in Bryan-College Station voted overwhelmingly to join the National Nurses Organizing Committee (NNOC) / National Nurses United (NNU)! The more than 700 RNs said that union protections will lead to improved patient care.

“This is a great day for the nurses at St. Joseph Health and for the patients in our community,” said Tara Cassell, a registered nurse in the labor and delivery unit. “We are excited to build a strong contract that protects nurses and patients so we can provide the best care possible.”

St. Joseph Health is owned by CommonSpirit Health, one of the biggest Catholic health care systems in the nation. The company made $1.1 billion in profits last year, and its CEO is one of the highest-paid nonprofit executives in the country. They clearly have the resources to address nurses’ concerns about patient care at St. Joseph Health.

Next, the RNs will elect their bargaining team and begin negotiating their first union contract. Welcome to the labor movement, y’all!

AS GOES TEXAS LABOR…

Austin: Austin Starbucks baristas join largest-ever national strike, demand fair contract and staffing — KVUE, featuring Starbucks Workers United (SBWU)

Austin: FOX 7 Focus: Interview with Dr. Tom Alter, member of Texas State Employees Union (TSEU - CWA Local 6186)

Denton: ‘A union is a democracy in the workplace’: Starbucks union workers continue longest strike against alleged unfair labor practices — North Texas Daily featuring Vincente Martinez and Maria Zaki, members of SBWU

Houston: Houston union workers at George Bush Intercontinental Airport ratify new contract with wage increase — Houston Chronicle featuring Klaudi Barrientos, member of UNITE HERE! Local 23

NEWS TO USE

BREAKING: House passes bill to restore federal workers’ bargaining rights — Politico

Did Texas Republicans Overplay Their Hand on Redistricting? — New York Times ($)

Uncertainty over ACA subsidies persists as enrollment deadline looms — CNBC

Railroads will be allowed to reduce inspections and rely more on technology to spot track problems — Associated Press

College ADs consider collective bargaining amid setbacks — ESPN

TEXAS LABOR FAMILY NEWS

🏃 LABOR ON THE MOVE

Airport Lounge Workers with UNITE HERE! Local 23 at George Bush International Airport (IAH) in Houston ratified new contracts, delivering significant wage increases and raising minimum wages!

36 drivers and warehouse workers at four Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits in El Paso, Longview, and Lubbock ratified their first collective bargaining agreement. They will be represented by Teamsters Local 745 and Teamsters Local 577.

SOLIDARITY CORNER: EVENTS & ACTIONS

🚨 TAKE ACTION

1. SIGN: Take the Pledge for Starbucks Workers United (SBWU) — No Contract, No Coffee! Starbucks baristas deserve to be paid enough to afford the basics like food and rent. That's why they're demanding a fair union contract with the staffing, hours, take-home pay, and an end to union-busting. Take action here.
2. SIGN: Stand with NewsGuild-CWA journalists and demand news, not slop! Unionized journalists across North America have come together to sound the alarm: Media companies are implementing artificial intelligence in ways that damage the credibility of the journalism on which you rely. Take action here.
    

📆 EVENTS THIS WEEK

Friday, Dec. 12 in Dallas: Casino Night and Holiday Party
The Dallas AFL-CIO Central Labor Council invites you to its Casino Night/Holiday Party. Doors will open at 7:00 pm with food and refreshments. Details here.

Saturday, Dec. 13: Election Day: Local Runoff Elections
Various cities and counties are hosting local runoff elections, including Houston! The Texas Gulf Coast Area Labor Federation urges Houston residents to vote for union-endorsed Alejandra Salinas for City Council At-Large 4! Details here.

Monday, Dec. 15 in Houston: NABTU Houston Gulf Coast Christmas Party
Join NABTU Houston Gulf Coast for their annual Christmas Party! Enjoy hors d'oeuvres and an open bar. Details here.

Tuesday, Dec. 16 in Austin: Austin CLC Holiday Party
Join the Austin Central Labor Council for their annual Holiday Party! There will be a BBQ dinner and bar for delegates, union leaders, allies, family, and friends. RSVP here.

Wednesday, Dec. 17 in Houston: Apprenticeship Advantage Holiday Open House
Join the Texas Gulf Coast Area Labor Federation for a Holiday Open House for our Apprenticeship Advantage Program! Details here.

Various Dates & Locations: Starbucks Workers United Picket Line
Union baristas are on an unfair labor practice strike to protest union busting and demand a fair union contract and a better future at Starbucks. Join the picket line in Austin, Denton, DFW, or San Antonio! Details here. 

📆 PLAN AHEAD

In the New Year: Union Phone Banks & Block Walks for Taylor Rehmet for Texas Senate
Join the Texas AFL-CIO and Tarrant County Central Labor Council to make calls and knock doors for our labor-endorsed candidate, Taylor Rehmet for Texas Senate District 9! Details here.

Jan. 24-25 in Georgetown: Texas AFL-CIO 2026 COPE Convention
Register now for the 2026 COPE Convention! Early bird pricing ends on Thursday, Dec. 18. Book your hotel and register at texasaflcioconvention.org 

See all upcoming Texas labor events here.

📝 APPLICATIONS & PROGRAMS

2026 Texas AFL-CIO High School Scholarship applications are now open! Each year, the Texas AFL-CIO awards dozens of Texas high school seniors scholarships to members or children of members of affiliated local unions. Applications are due Jan. 31. Learn more and apply here.

📸 PHOTO OF THE WEEK

IBEW Local 20 (Grand Prairie) organizers picked up a generous donation of canned food from union members at a job site. Thank you all for giving back to the community!

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