This newsletter is a 5 minute read.

Hi john,

Welcome to the first edition of our new weekly newsletter, Lone Star Labor! Here you'll find legislative updates, news stories affecting working people, updates on all things Texas labor, and important events and actions you can attend. Read on!

President Trump wasted no time attacking federal workers, immigrant workers,  and trans workers in his first few days in office. Through a flurry of executive orders, Trump empowered himself to fire thousands of federal workers; ended all diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs in the federal government; gave Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE) the green light to raid “sensitive locations” like schools, hospitals, and churches; and rolled back dozens of regulations protecting trans people.

As a reminder, we fight for ALL Texas workers. Period. No matter what comes next from the Trump Administration, we stand in solidarity with our brothers, sisters, and siblings against attacks on immigrant families, LGBTQ+ folks, and anyone else.

¡El pueblo unido jamás será vencido!

Texas AFL-CIO Announces Pro-Worker Priorities for the 89th Legislative Session

Texas AFT Member Survey Results Preview Working Conditions, Funding Fights in Legislative Session

Texas Matters: A progressive agenda for the Texas Legislature

Trump, Allies Sued Over DOGE Plans in Union-Backed Lawsuits — Bloomberg Law

Executive Action Reactions: Day 3 — The American Prospect

Trump's Texas Tycoons: Meet the Lone Star mega donors, think tankers, and politicians poised to play a big role in Trump's comeback tour — Texas Observer

🎂 Union Birthdays

The Texas AFL-CIO wishes a happy early birthday to our union siblings of the International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers (SMART), whose predecessor union was founded on Jan. 25, 1888.

🏃 Labor on the Move

Andy Frye, United Steelworkers District 13 Rapid Response Coordinator, is retiring in March after 24 years on the job and almost 40 years as a proud USW member. We congratulate him on his decades of service to Texas labor.

💐 In Memory

The Texas AFL-CIO mourns the passing of Sharon Ann Wark of Lufkin, Texas, a longtime active member and former Secretary-Treasurer of the Deep East Texas Central Labor Council. Sharon passed away on Jan. 8, 2025.

We also mourn the passing of J.D. Williams of Dallas, Texas, President of CWA Local 6215 from 1987-2009 and Texas Labor Hall of Famer. From the local: “J.D. Williams was the type of servant-leader who made personal sacrifices for what he believed in. He was known as a strategist and confidant to union leaders and workers around the country.” J.D. passed away on Jan. 20, 2025.

Cecile Richards, lifelong activist and daughter of former Texas Governor Ann Richards, passed away on Jan. 20, 2025. Cecile started her career as a labor organizer for low-wage Texas workers in the hotel, health care, and janitorial industry. She was a remarkable and courageous human being — always fighting for a better Texas. We’ll always be inspired by her and will keep up her fight.

We remember and ponder Cecile’s quote: “It’s not hard to imagine future generations one day asking: ‘When there was so much at stake for our country, what did you do?’ The only acceptable answer is: ‘Everything we could.’”

Jan. 25: IBEW 520 Rally for a Fair Contract

Join our siblings in IBEW 520 this Saturday, Jan. 25 at 3pm at 4818 Ben White Blvd in Austin to show your solidarity as the union prepares for contract negotiations! There will be food, drinks, music, and speakers.

Jan. 31: 2025 High School Scholarship Application Deadline

There’s just one week left until the application deadline for our 2025 High School Scholarship! Last year, we awarded 21 outstanding high school seniors from union families $1,500 each. Encourage your high school senior to apply or pass the info along! Details and application HERE.

If you are able, please consider donating to the Scholarship Fund.

Jan. 31: In These Times Labor Organizer of the Year Award Nomination Deadline

Labor magazine In These Times has launched an inaugural Labor Organizer of the Year Award! Three winners will be awarded a cash prize of $25,000 each, as well as $25,000 for their respective organization, union, or campaign. Nominations close January 31st. Details and application HERE.

Feb. 8: Dallas/Fort Worth Citizenship Clinic

Our first Citizenship Clinic of the year is almost here! You must attend one of two remaining information sessions to register for the clinic, listed on the flyer below. Contact Fabiola Barreto at 512-497-5772 if you have questions.

Texas AFT leaders hit the ground running to fight for our public schools, students, and communities during the 89th legislative session! Leaders from across the state met with state lawmakers during the first day of session to make sure public education is front and center. [Photo courtesy of Texas AFT]

Did you enjoy this newsletter? Let us know and submit photos, events, and other Texas labor news at [email protected]!

In Solidarity,

Team Texas AFL-CIO

Texas AFL-CIO

1106 Lavaca St

Austin, TX 78701

Visit us at: texasaflcio.org

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