Austin, TEX – Texas has long been known as ground zero of the anti-union movement in the United States and two recent senate bills display just how low republican dominated states are willing to go to eliminate unions. In his address to the 2017 IAM Communications Conference delegates, Texas AFL-CIO President John Patrick described two particular nasty pieces of legislation aimed at eliminating unions. “In Texas, the legal working age begins at 16,” said Patrick. “Senate Bill 75 would require minors to obtain parental consent to join a union. A 16 year old can begin dangerous work and put their lives at risk without asking anyone’s permission, but if they want to join an organization which would protect their safety and their health, they have to get their parent’s permission. I’m happy to say we defeated that bill.” Patrick told delegates it was a long week in the legislature because the anti labour bills just kept coming.
“Senate Bill 13 would outlaw payroll dues deductions for all state employees such as teachers and nurses, taking away their economic freedom to support a union.” “We stopped that bill too. We did it through constant communication with our members, the public and other affiliates and that’s why the job you do is so important to the labour movement.”
