On Friday, January 31, TSEU mobilization helped to table privatization decisions at TWC, but our fight is not over!
In January, the Trump Department of Labor announced changes to the Wagner-Peyser Act that would allow Texas officials to completely privatize Employment Services at the Texas Workforce Commission, potentially handing over 500 state employee jobs to private contractors. The Texas Workforce Commission has the “freedom” to use this change to purge workers without any type of legislative oversight! Private contractors currently play an out-sized role in providing Employment Services under the “Texas Model,” which has already eroded the quality of services provided to the public. A complete privatization of Employment Services would allow private contractors to turn these public services into profit centers.
On Friday, January 31st TSEU members and allies mobilized against this plan and generated hundreds of calls to State Legislators. Through this mobilization, we were able to pressure the Texas Workforce Commission to halt and decisions, for now, stating that at the February 4th TWC Commissioners meeting: “No privatization is to be voted on”
The Texas Workforce Commission, however, is still examining the feasibility of extending private contracts, due to this relaxation of the Wagner-Peyser Act. This is going to be an ongoing battle to preserve our services and hundreds of dedicated State Employees.
WE ARE STILL ASKING MEMBERS TO CALL THEIR STATE LEGISLATORS ON EVERY TWC COMMISSIONERS MEETING DAY, TO CONTINUE THE PRESSURE.
To find your elected leaders, check out https://wrm.capitol.texas.gov/home
Call them and Say:
I am a Texas State Employee and live in your district. I am very concerned about the Texas Workforce Commission’s ability to privatize services without any State Legislative oversight ! Currently the TWC Commissioners are examining the feasibility of extending private contracts, due to a new federal interpretation of the Wagner-Peyser Act. Privatization isn’t in the best interest of job seekers, employers, or the public. It needs to be stopped. Will Representative (or Senator) _________, take a stand for state employees by reaching out personally to TWC Commissioner Bryan Daniels and ask him to leave our services run by dedicated state employees?