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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.

ULLCO Opposes Three Bills Impacting Workers in the Port Houston

The United Labor Legislative Committee today OPPOSED three bills addressing regulation of ship pilots and the movement of container ships that could have a major impact on working people in the Port of Houston. The Seafarers Union and International Longshoremen’s Association strongly oppose the pilot bills but have said they can support a fair compromise on ship traffic that would benefit all stakeholders.

Legislative Lowdown-April 18, 2019

Today is Day 101 of the regular session of the 86th Texas Legislature. 39 days to go.

Do Something! To contact your Texas House member on bills that involve a fair shot for working families, go to https://bit.ly/2IvZt7I to send a letter or text FIGHTBACK to 235246.

Senate Attack on Local Workplace Benefits Is Nearly Complete, With Texas House on Deck

The Texas Senate today advanced SBs 2486 and 2488, two more bills that would prevent cities from improving workplace benefits.

Both bills are by Sen. Brandon Creighton, R-Conroe, who authored two related bills that passed the Senate last Thursday. SB 2486 bars local governments from approving rules on scheduling practices. The problem: Some companies do not notify workers of their schedules enough in advance to allow them to plan their lives. An amendment to the bill by Sen. Kel Seliger, R-Amarillo, also bars local rules with regard to overtime.

Legislative Lowdown-April 12, 2019

Today is Day 95 of the regular session of the 86th Texas Legislature. 45 days to go.

Bad Night for Tens of Thousands of Working People as Senate Votes to Strip Them of Key Benefits

The Texas Senate approved two bills that would take away the ability of cities to improve benefits for working people.

The attacks on local voter power came in the form of SB 2485, a general attack on benefits, and SB 2487, which applies specifically to paid sick leave and similar policies. The bills by Sen. Brandon Creighton, R-Conroe, won passage on identical 18-12 votes. All Republicans present voted for the measures and all Democrats voted against.

Bill to Create State Database of Wage Thieves Gains Tentative Texas House Approval

The Texas House on Wednesday advanced HB 48 by Rep. Mary Gonzalez, D-El Paso, which would create a state database of employers who are found to have committed wage theft.

The bill has been percolating for several sessions and now has momentum on its way to the Senate. A database would impose no monetary penalty, but the sunlight would serve as a deterrent to low-road employers who deliberately refuse to pay working people what they have earned. 

Today's bipartisan vote in support of the measure was 102-41.

Bill Would Create Separate Unelected Court System for Business Giants, Billionaires

A bill heard yesterday in a House committee would create a separate unelected court system for deep-pocketed businesses, billionaires and others who might be involved in lawsuits involving giant dollars, corporate CEOs and large-scale business matters.

HB 4149 by Rep. Jeff Leach, R-Plano (companion is SB 2259 by Sen. Bryan Hughes, R-Mineola) would let the Governor appoint judges selected by an advisory group to hear cases for the wealthy, as opposed to the elected judges most working people would face when navigating the state court system.

Legislative Lowdown-April 5, 2019

Today is Day 88 of the regular session of the 86th Texas Legislature. 52 days to go.

Do Something! Write your legislators on urgent labor issues: https://bit.ly/2FWDVO1