Dallas Labor News November 18, 2016
AFL-CIO Meeting Was a Happy One
The Dallas AFL-CIO Central Labor Council meeting on November 17 was a lot like a celebration. Newly elected State Representative Victoria Neave drew three separate standing ovations as she spoke about labor’s role in her historic victory. The inner city of Dallas has voted labor’s way for several cycles, but Neave’s victory was the first conquest of new territory in the outer ring.
Click for a short video of Victoria Neave’s heartfelt thanks for labor’s help in her election victory.
The major electoral priority for the Tarrant County AFL-CIO is Terry Meza’s run for State Representative on the western side of Dallas. Meza stands less than 100 votes short of winning, and a recount is underway.
Political Director Lorraine Montemayor was radiant as she passed out certificates of appreciation to some of the outstanding helpers in our election success.
[caption caption="Melissa Baires receives thanks"]
Holiday spirits were high. Kym Grant of the Doctor’s Guild offered to sponsor holiday cheer for up to three needy union families. Lewis Fulbright of the Postal Workers Human Relations Fund then stepped up to add another family. The symphony musicians of Fort Worth, who are enduring their 7th week since being forced on strike, were immediately contacted.
Click herefor a short video of our CLC meeting.
Win the Strike in Fort Worth
The fighting musicians of the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra invite all to join them at their Saturday night picket, 6:30-9P, at Bass Hall, 525 Commerce, 76102, in downtown Fort Worth. Parking is free. Their regular picketing hours are usually posted on their Facebook page.
Their next big fund raiser is a Christmas concert on Sunday, November 27, 4:00 at Will Rogers Auditorium. Tickets are just $15 for adults, $5 for kids, and free for kids two and under. Buy tickets here. Make contributions on line at https://www.gofundme.com/2rwb2fmk. Their main web site is http://www.fwsomusicians.com/. Participants in the Dallas AFL-CIO Christmas Party are being asked to being $10 Kroger Gift Certificates for the striking musicians.
Let’s Party!
Sister Jennifer Fulbright is organizing a joyous holiday party for Dallas AFL-CIO. Everyone is asked to bring Kroger gift cards and a “White Elephant” gift worth $10 or less to the Bryan Street Tavern, 4315 Bryan, Dallas 75204, at 6PM on December 15. The Kroger certificates are for the striking musicians, and the “White Elephant” gifts are used in a party game.
Karaoke begins at 9 PM. Principal officer Mark York has asked to be sent home if he starts singing, but we probably won’t.
Excellent Communications are Needed
The Dallas AFL-CIO did well in the 2016 elections, but there are great challenges ahead. Union supporters must get together and coordinate activities. To that end, we are asking that people write down our contact information and provide their own:
Dallas AFL-CIO
1408 N Washington#240
Dallas, TX 75204
Web site: http://tx.aflcio.org/dallas
Email: dallasaflcio.org/gmail.com
Twitter: @dallasaflcio
To join our texting reminder service, sign up as a “student” by texting “@laborrel” to the phone number 081010
The information we need from everybody else includes name, email address, zip code, and cell phone. Send to genelantz.dallasaflcio@gmail.complease.
More Activities Coming Up
11/18/16: Alliance/AFT is asking that we write to Commissioner Mike Morath in support of DISD school employees
11/19/16: 6:30-9P: Dallasites will join the striking musicians picketing Bass Hall at 525 Commerce in downtown Fort Worth
Dec 15, 6P: Dallas CLC holiday party at Bryan Street Tavern, 4315 Bryan, Dallas 75204
Jan 10: Beginning of State Legislature
Jan 16: Martin Luther King Jr birthday celebrations
Jan 20: Inauguration day in Washington DC
Jan 21: Million Woman March in DC and in Austin
--Gene Lantz, Communications