Dallas Labor News February 10, 2017

Dallas County Stands for Solidarity

On February 7, after hearing from Dallas AFL-CIO Political Director Lorraine Montemayor and a host of religious and community leaders, the Dallas Commissioners Court voted 4-1 for a resolution welcoming everyone, including immigrants and refugees, to our county.

A truly impressive group of progressive organizations appeared in favor. The coalition included Texas Organizing Project, Dallas AFL-CIO, Workers Defense Project, ACLU of Texas, Planned Parenthood, Texas Alliance for Retired Americans Educational Fund, Mi Familia Vota, Texas Equal Access Fund, NTX Resistance, Mothers Against Police Brutality, North Texas Dream Team, Texas New ERA Center, Irving Islamic Center, Friendship-West Baptist Church, Clean Elections Texas and DFW Democracy.

County Commissioner Elba Garcia introduced the resolution. Nearly all the speakers, County Judge Clay Jenkins, and two more of the commissioners spoke in favor.

Against the resolution were Commissioner Cantrell and City Councilman Kleineman. Both of them said that the State of Texas, especially Governor Abbott, and national President Donald Trump would visit retaliation against our county of they passed a resolution friendly to undocumented workers. One way to understand the controversy is to see the politics of metropolitan areas like Dallas as opposed to the suburban and rural voters who elected both Abbott and Trump.

But most of the speakers at the Commissioners' Court did not talk about cities versus suburbs. They talked about justice versus injustice. Several of the speakers referred to Dr Martin Luther King Jr, who said that when injustice becomes law, resistance becomes duty.

Labor's position on both documented and undocumented workers is not based on politics. Our position is  "Solidarity Forever!"

Anti-Labor Secretary Confirmation Is At Hand

The CWA Newsletter says that the Senate will hold hearings on Mr Trump's nominee for Labor Secretary on February 16. 

Some 135 organizations, including the national AFL-CIO, have signed a letter against the nomination in the wake of revelations that he employed an undocumented worker as a housekeeper and failed to pay employment taxes. Puzder claims ignorance, both of her undocumented status and the obligation to pay employment taxes. The letter says:  "Mr. Puzder is an experienced attorney and a CEO of a major fast-food chain, so he cannot plausibly claim ignorance of his legal obligations as an employer. We already have ample cause to doubt Mr. Puzder's fitness for the job as Secretary of Labor, and this latest news confirms our view that he should not be confirmed.  If he cannot be trusted to follow even one of the most basic laws of employment in his own home, there is no way we can expect him to enforce the crucial laws the Department of Labor oversees on behalf of working people."National AFL-CIO asks everyone to use this toll-free number to call their Senator and speak against confirming Puzder: 1-866-829-3298.

Texas Legislature To Discuss Attack On Unions

The Texas Senate State Affairs Committee will consider SB 13, the Paycheck Deception bill, at a hearing that begins 8 a.m. Monday, Feb. 13 in the Senate Chamber. With the House version, HB 510, it would drive a sharp stick into the heart of the Texas labor movement by taking away dues checkoff for public employees.  Texas AFL-CIO asks everyone to  weigh in with our state senators.

Are We Ready for Trouble?

National AFL-CIO has prepared materials to help our brothers and sisters if they should be confronted with immigration problems. The main advice they offer is "Silence is Golden." In other words, we are not  required to talk to immigration officials, invite them into our  houses, or cooperate  in their  searches.Some materials are being printed as this is written. They will be distributed beginnning at the next Central Labor Council meeting.

More Actions Coming Up

Feb 11, 10A-2P: Immigrant Conference with Father Esteban Jasso, Pastor of All Saints Catholic Church of Fort Worth in the University of Texas at Arlington Central Library

Feb 13: Texas Senators discuss SB 13.  It would stop payroll deduction for public workers

Feb 13:  Fight for $15 is having a national day of action against Andrew Puzder’s nomination for Labor Secretary. On the same day, Restaurant Opportunities Centers (ROC) United is holding a day of action to protest the federal tipped minimum wage being stuck at $2.13/hour

Feb 14, 11:30A – 1P “Our Communities, Our Schools” coalition leaders meets at the Alliance/AFT office, 334 Centre St. (214) 942-4663

Feb 15, Noon: Fort Worth Alliance for Retired  Americans meets at Furr's Buffet, 3233 Alta Mere Dr, 76116 

Feb 16: The confirmation hearing for anti-worker Secretary of Labor nominee Andrew Puzder. CWA News

Feb 16, 6-8P: Immigration Information Forum with State Rep Victoria Neave, DCCCD Trustee Monica Lira Bravo, and DISD Trustee Jaime Resendez at North Mesquite High, 18201 LB Johnson FWY, Mesquite 75150

Feb 17, 7:30P: Dallas Central Labor Council meeting for all affiliated members

Mar 11, 10A-4P: Speakout Against Police Brutality at South Dallas Cultural Center, 3400 S Fitzhugh. MAPB 512 N Hampton Rd#148, Desoto 75115. Anniversary of death of Clinton R Allen