Politics & Policy

Politics

This department leads our ongoing effort to elect political candidates who will fight for working people. Political endorsements are made through our Committee on Political Education (COPE), with participation from labor bodies across the state. The Texas AFL-CIO also conducts campaigns that have nothing to do with the ballot box, helping organize workers seeking union representation, rallies and protests, social media initiatives, and other actions that build solidarity. The Politics and Policy Department develops messaging and hands-on programs that aim to move workers to action, elect friendly candidates, succeed at the Legislature, and ultimately build a better Texas.

Policy

The Texas AFL-CIO promotes and opposes legislation based on our Fair Shot agenda, which seeks to help all workers improve their lives and their communities. The agenda supports a robust, high-quality public education system, expansion of health coverage to all Texans, development of union jobs in emerging industries, insistence on racial justice, and improvements in general working conditions such as higher wages, stronger workplace safety laws, paid sick and family leave, decent pensions, and encouragement of collective bargaining as the best tool devised to give workers power. We have a long history of support for civil rights initiatives and comprehensive immigration reform. Legislative policies are developed through our conventions, the United Labor Legislative Committee, and our Executive Board.

Contact: Emily Amps | amps@texasaflcio.org