Dallas Labor Looks Forward
The regular third-Thursday meeting of the Dallas AFL-CIO on June 15 showed pride in our accomplishments and confidence in our future.
[caption caption="George Rangel, Kara Sheehan, Mark York" align="right"]
The Central Labor Council is asking for input on labor’s priorities for the next year. Some of the first suggestions included:
- Improving voter registration and turnout
- Holding our elected representatives accountable
- Centering labor in the overall progressive movement
Contact the council at 214-826-4808 with your ideas.
Labor Has Done Well
Financial Secretary Treasurer Mark York told the delegates that our success in the City Council elections came because of the unity of working families. He drew applause when he announced, “All the union affiliates were on board 100%,”
York went on to say that labor’s effort in the elections had already paid off by swinging the Mayor and City of Dallas into action against recent Republican anti-immigrant legislation. When Dallas joined the lawsuit against the so-called “Sanctuary Cities” law, Houston came into line. The largest cities in Texas are now united against this effort to split working people against each other.
Candidates Seek Labor’s Support
[caption caption="John Creuzot" align="right"]
Further proof of labor’s electoral clout came when two candidates in next year’s elections appeared at our Council meeting. Ed Meier announced his run against Republican Pete Sessions in District 32. He said that his program includes support for collective bargaining and a $15/hour national minimum wage. John Creuzot, running for Dallas District Attorney next year, spoke against mass incarceration, which is one of the AFL-CIO’s national priorities. Creuzot said that private prison stocks had risen 75% since Mr Trump became president. The Dallas AFL-CIO has not begun its detailed investigation into the candidates.
[caption caption="Ed Meier, candidate in CD32" align="right"]
Kara Sheehan of Fair Shot Texas announced that canvassing is continuing in State Senate District 16 and that canvassers are still being hired. She also promoted labor’s dynamic youth organization known as “Yall.”Darryl Sullivan of the Teamsters announced an organizing victory that came about after the union organized public support for the workers. Workers Defense Project, whose staffers are UAW members, announced several upcoming projects, including a major civil rights march on Saturday June 17. Tony Chenevert showed off our new golf trophy.
Rise Against Trumpcare!
The national Alliance for Retired Americans called for a Day of Action June 21 and a National Call-in Day June 22 to defeat a new “anti-health-care” bill being secretly prepared in the Senate. It is expected to be put on a “fast track” without public scrutiny around June 26.
The final legislation is expected to include dramatic cuts in Medicaid – which affects low-income children and seniors in their final years. Older Texans may be victimized by insurance companies who charge them FIVE TIMES as much as younger clients. All six chapters of the Texas Alliance are mobilizing against this emergency.
Texas Labor Convention June 22-24
The June meeting of Dallas AFL-CIO elected six delegates to the state convention in Houston. Principal officer Mark York will lead the delegation:
- Ray Edmondson of UAW
- Tony Chenevert of AFT
- Bonnie Mathias of CWA
- Phillip Parker of Building Trades
- Gwen York of TWU
The convention will have exceptional importance as Texas working families hunker down for the Texas Legislature’s special session in July.
More Actions Coming Up
Jun 17, 10A: March to end Police Brutality starts at St Paul UMC, 1816 Routh. Rally at noon at Pike Park, 2807 Harry Hines. Contact 214-683-2493
Jun 21: National Day of Action on Health Care. Texas Alliance for Retired Americans. 214-729-0063
Jun 22: National Call-In Day for Health Care. Free call to the Senators 1-866-828-4162
Jun 22 8:30-11A: Texas Legislature debriefing by United Way at 307 W 7th, Ft Worth 76102. Contact 713-869-7740
Jun 22-23: Texas AFL-CIO Convention at Hilton Americas Houston Hotel
Jun 22-25: ATU Women’s Caucus meets at Sheraton Dallas Hotel, 4801 LBJ Fwy