Union Membership Increasing in Texas Despite Historical Hostility
Introduction:
In a small North Texas town, a barista named Soleil Baker noticed that their coworkers were struggling to make ends meet due to inadequate hours and low wages. Determined to make a difference, Baker reached out to Starbucks Workers United, a national union for Starbucks employees, and began the process of forming a union. This story is just one example of the increasing trend of unionization in Texas, despite the state’s long-standing history of hostility towards unions. In 2023, approximately 68,000 Texans joined unions, representing an increase from the previous year. This article explores the factors contributing to this rise and examines the changing attitudes towards unions in the Lone Star State.
The Right-to-Work Law:
Texas is one of 26 states classified as “right-to-work” states, meaning that workers have the option to opt-out of paying union dues and can work in a unionized environment without being a union member. This law, passed in 1993, has traditionally created an unfriendly environment for unions in the state. Furthermore, the Republican-controlled Legislature has recently enacted laws aimed at limiting the ability of local governments to implement worker protections and progressive policies. However, despite these obstacles, there has been a noticeable shift in the rhetoric surrounding unions at the national level.
Changing Republican Party Stance:
At the Republican National Convention, Teamster President Sean O’Brien delivered a speech in support of unions to a crowd typically associated with pro-business policies. This unexpected endorsement from a prominent union leader demonstrates a potential change in the Republican Party’s position on unions. Additionally, Ohio Sen. JD Vance, known for his Midwestern upbringing, appealed to working-class voters by advocating for a leader who prioritizes the interests of the working class. However, skeptics like Soleil Baker remain doubtful about the authenticity of these statements, considering them as mere political tactics to gain broader support.
Texas GOP’s Continued Opposition:
Despite some notable shifts in rhetoric, political scientist Stephen Amberg argues that the majority of the Texas GOP remains pro-corporate and resistant to unions. The current Texas GOP platform supports the adoption of a National Right to Work Act, which would prohibit mandatory union membership and dues payment nationwide. This stance aligns with their goal of eliminating special collective bargaining statutes for public employees. However, union leaders and workers in Texas believe that the increasing trend of union membership is unlikely to be reversed.
Influence of Recent Strikes:
Last year’s nationwide auto worker strike, including the General Motors Co.’s Arlington assembly factory strike, served as a turning point for many working-class Texans. The strike demonstrated the potential power of unions in securing better working conditions and benefits for employees. Rick Levy, president of the Texas AFL-CIO, believes that this event has influenced workers to consider union membership as a means of achieving substantial improvements in their working lives. The recent strike at a Fort Worth Molson Coors brewery further exemplifies the growing willingness of employees to engage in collective action.
Shifting Public Opinion:
According to a Texas Politics project poll, 64% of Texans now view labor unions positively, indicating an increase from the previous year. The poll also reveals that younger Texans hold an even more favorable view of unions, with 72% expressing a positive opinion. Angi DeFelippo, the political director for the Tarrant County Central Labor Council, attributes this shift in public opinion to the emergence of a new generation that is more open to the idea of organizing the workplace. As younger individuals become more involved, positive attitudes towards unions are likely to persist.
The Role of Wealth Inequality:
As wealth inequality continues to grow in Texas, workers like Soleil Baker believe that the system will not adequately provide for them, prompting them to seek collective action. The desire for consistent work hours, better pay, and benefits has motivated employees to come together and form unions. Starbucks, for example, has witnessed a wave of stores in Texas vote to unionize, with 22 stores currently part of a union. While the company maintains that it values a direct relationship with workers, it acknowledges and respects the right to organize and collectively bargain.
Conclusion:
Despite Texas’s historical hostility towards unions and its status as a right-to-work state, union membership in the state has been steadily increasing. Factors such as changing Republican Party rhetoric, the influence of recent strikes, shifting public opinion, and the growing wealth inequality have contributed to this trend. While the future of unions in Texas remains uncertain, workers like Soleil Baker are optimistic that by standing together, they can create better working conditions and advocate for their rights.
