Workers’ priorities for the 90th Texas Legislative Session
TEXAS – Today, as bill filing begins at the Texas Capitol, the Texas AFL-CIO releases the following statement on what we expect from lawmakers during the 90th Texas Legislative Session:
“Texas workers delivered a mandate this election, and now we need our elected officials to deliver for us,” said Texas AFL-CIO President Leonard Aguilar. “Corrupt politicians have rigged the system against working people for too long. There’s a lot of work to be done, and we’re ready to work with any lawmaker who’s ready to deliver for Texas workers.”
Over the last year and a half, the Texas AFL-CIO hosted a Statewide Listening Tour to hear directly from Texas union members about what the future of the Texas labor movement should look like, what our values should be, and what members want from their state elected officials.
We held 11 Labor Town Halls with 613 in-person attendees, heard more than 140 questions, and traveled 4,589 miles. The feedback from across the state has helped develop the following pro-worker principles — the rights that every Texas worker deserves.
Texas AFL-CIO Pro-Worker Principles
1. You have the right to organize.
Workers have the fundamental right to form and join unions to advocate for better wages, benefits, and working conditions. We must repeal so-called “right to work” and oppose policies that weaken unions or limit workers' collective voices.
2. You have the right to a living wage.
A living wage is necessary for all workers, and one job should be enough to take care of our families and build a secure future. Texas needs to raise wages and tackle rising costs that impact every family.
3. You have the right to a quality education.
A strong public education system depends on educators, staff, and neighborhood schools that are fully supported. Texas should prioritize public education by investing in the people and institutions that prepare future generations for success.
4. You have the right to retire with dignity.
Every Texan who spends a lifetime working deserves the opportunity to retire with dignity, supported by retirement benefits that provide financial stability and peace of mind. We also have to protect and expand Medicare and Social Security for all Texans
5. You have the right to fairness and safety on the job.
Every worker deserves safe working conditions and Texas should ensure workers are protected from unfair practices and unnecessary workplace dangers – while also guaranteeing access to essential workplace protections, including rest breaks during extreme weather.
Artificial intelligence (AI) must also be used safely, responsibly, and fairly — prioritizing workers throughout the process. There is a path where new technology makes work better and safer, centering good union jobs that have fair pay and better job quality.
6. You have the right to high quality training.
Texas should invest in gold-standard U.S. Department of Labor Registered Apprenticeship Programs that prepare workers for high-skilled careers, especially on large scale manufacturing and other facilities.
7. You have the right to unemployment benefits and workers’ compensation.
Workers deserve a strong safety net when they face hardship. Those who lose their jobs through no fault of their own deserve a fair and modern unemployment insurance system, and those injured on the job should be guaranteed workers’ compensation benefits.
8. You have the right to a clean energy future.
Texas can meet our energy needs while creating good union jobs, strengthening local economies, and protecting the land, air, and water that working Texans depend on.
9. You have the right to quality healthcare and work-life balance.
Workers deserve high-quality, affordable healthcare — and that starts with expanding Medicaid and taking on the corrupt billionaires who run our healthcare system. Working Texans also should never have to choose between earning a paycheck and caring for themselves or their loved ones. We must expand paid leave and strengthen childcare systems to make it possible for families to balance work and caregiving responsibilities.
10. You have the right to equal protection, regardless of status.
Every worker deserves dignity, fairness, and equal protection, regardless of immigration status or where they were born. We must safeguard the rights and well-being of all working Texans.
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The Texas AFL-CIO (American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations) is the state labor federation consisting of more than 250,000 affiliated union members and advocates for working people in Texas. Learn more at texasaflcio.org