News

UPDATE! Voices of Texas Working Families Persuade State to Remove Barriers To Coronavirus Unemployment Insurance Benefits

Texas AFL-CIO President Rick Levy issued this statement after the Texas Workforce Commission and Gov. Greg Abbott decided to waive waiting periods and work-search requirements for Texans who lose their jobs because of the coronavirus.

The New Front-Line Coronavirus Workers: Grocery Clerks, Delivery Drivers

Much of the American workplace has shut down, sending millions of employees home to wait out the coronavirus pandemic.

Working People Are Rapidly Losing Jobs; Abbott, Workforce Commission Should Act Now

As more and more working people are sidelined by the coronavirus, the Texas AFL-CIO called on Gov. Greg Abbott and the Texas Workforce Commission to act immediately to remove unnecessary barriers to eligibility for Unemployment Insurance benefits.

Unions Know How to Fight This; Let's Stand Together

At long last, a broad cross-section of America is saying, again and again, "We are in this together." Unions have long known that when we speak together and act together with one voice, we gain power. As working people heed warnings based on science, we all gain power to slow the spread of the coronavirus.

Texas AFL-CIO: We Are Heartened by Disaster Declaration; Action to Help Working Families Must Follow

Following Gov. Greg Abbott's Disaster Declaration, Texas AFL-CIO President Rick Levy today issued this statement on behalf of the state labor federation:

We are heartened that Gov. Greg Abbott has listened to medical experts and taken the necessary step of proclaiming a health-related disaster for the entire State of Texas.

Texas AFL-CIO to Close Physical Office Temporarily, Continue Operations

The Texas AFL-CIO announced today its office would close to the public for two weeks beginning Monday, March 16, but the state federation would continue operations with officers and staff working remotely.

Texas AFL-CIO Asks Gov. Abbott to Declare Public Health Emergency Over Coronavirus

The Texas AFL-CIO today asked Gov. Greg Abbott to declare a public health emergency involving COVID-19 to broaden state resources to help sick and healthy Texans alike.

Texas AFL-CIO: To Protect Communities From Coronavirus, Protect Working People

As the coronavirus threatens Texans, the Texas AFL-CIO today called on political and business leaders to take actions suggested by front-line union workers who face elevated risk of becoming ill.

"Texans looking to steer clear of the coronavirus and safeguard their families know that protecting working people protects communities," Texas AFL-CIO President Rick Levy, joined by representatives of several unions, said at a news conference.

Action by Working Families Helps Produce Solid Wins, Noble Losses

The primary elections produced strong results for COPE-endorsed candidates in Democratic primaries. Working families honored the COPE theme of "Rise Up! All In!" often in victory, sometimes in "to be continued" runoffs, and a few times in defeat.