Len Aguilar, Secretary-Treasurer of the Texas AFL-CIO, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss Labor Day events across the state. He also discussed the organizing success the Office and Professional Employees International Union and other unions had in recent years, plus attempts to improve heat regulations for Texas workers.
Over Labor Day weekend, the Texas AFL-CIO hosted several events across the state, two of which were the largest gatherings in Texas, Aguilar said. He talked about the outreach, education and good these events generate across the notoriously anti-union state.
In the last few years, OPEIU has made a difference in Texas, especially in the rural areas. Aguilar spoke about the four successful organizing campaigns they won, including one in rural Abilene, Texas. The victories are not limited to OPEIU; Workers United and the International Brotherhood of Teamsters have also had success organizing across the state.
Finally, Aguilar discussed the Texas AFL-CIO's effort to get new heat regulations passed to help workers. He explained that several lawmakers have rebuffed their efforts and prevented new heat protections from being implemented. Aguilar said the state federation will continue to push for new regulations and believes the November election could assist with their efforts.
For more from Aguilar, please listen to the show above.