Members Get Out the Message in Austin

Members of the Houston-Austin Local spent a day leafleting the public outside of Amazon Corporate Headquarters in Austin, Texas, on Sept. 13. They were joined by members of IATSE, WGA, AFM, various other unions, and leaders from the Texas State AFL-CIO and the Austin Labor Council. 

Roughly 100 people came throughout the day to help pass out leaflets and rally at the Domain, which serves as Austin’s tech center just north of downtown. It was clear from the beginning that the public supports striking SAG-AFTRA members, and employees from the Amazon corporate offices expressed solidarity with striking actors and flooded the various office break rooms with SAG-AFTRA strike leaflets and stickers. 

Local press was ever present, and we ended the day with a successful barrage of positive stories in local television, radio and print. Local businesses brought drinks and pastries, and even Domain security expressed support and mingled with members. Members worked hard to get out the message that this strike is not about Hollywood hotshots, but working people all across this country who deserve a fair wage, workplace protections, and an opportunity to work with the dignity and respect that every working person deserves. 

Volunteers were greeted by local Austin City Councilwoman Vanessa Fuentes, Rep. Greg Casar and Texas AFL-CIO President Rick Levy, who all took the time to express their support for striking members.