Dallas Labor News December 9, 2016
Party Hearty!
Dallas Central Labor Council affiliates are looking forward to our Christmas Party 6-9PM on December 15 at the Bryan Street Tavern, 4315 Bryan in East Dallas. Members are asked to bring Kroger gift cards and a “White Elephant” gift, (nothing offensive) gender neutral, $10 or less, for a party game involving swapping gifts. Affiliated members attending the AFL-CIO party may RSVP here.
Fortunately for us, our party organizer is Jennifer Fulbright, whose own Postal Employees Union, APWU 132, held a zinger of a party all day on December 9 at their headquarters, 2010 Postal Way. They really know how to rock!
[caption caption="APWU members held a rocking all-day Christmas party"]
Trump Goes Anti-Labor for Labor Secretary
President elect Trump has chosen a restaurant CEO who has spoken out against higher wages for Secretary of Labor. Dallas AFL-CIO leader Mark York says, “This appointment has increased our resolve to join all of labor with community, church, and civil rights organizations in defense of all working people.” He has already told his staff to organize a major labor contingent in Martin Luther King birthday activities.
In Austin and around the nation, public activities are being organized for January 20, Inauguration Day, and January 21, a Saturday. AFL-CIO National President Richard Trumka said, “Andy Puzder’s nomination is one of many Trump Cabinet appointments that are in direct conflict with the rhetoric of his campaign. The President-elect campaigned on standing up for working people, yet his actions thus far have undermined these claims.
‘Mr. Puzder’s long track record inspires deep skepticism. It’s a track record that raises serious concerns about his qualifications to live up to the promises of the President-elect’s campaign. Mr. Trump will never meet those promises by surrounding himself with people, like Mr. Puzder, whose values are completely out of step with America’s workers.”
Young Workers Set Summit in Houston
Young Active Labor Leaders (Y'ALL) of Texas are soliciting participation in a special summit meeting January 19-21st in Houston. Sign up on our web site.
Congressman Doggett Supports Texas Retirees
Barring scheduling problems, Congressman Lloyd Doggett will join the Texas Alliance for Retired Americans Educational Fund’s news conference at noon on December 15 at the Lamar Senior Center in Austin. The retirees declare that they will fight against all efforts to diminish the right to retire. They are particularly concerned with threats to privatize and “voucherize” Medicare. Retirees have already begun writing letters to congresspersons and making personal visits.
[caption caption="Dallas retirees visited the office of their favorite Congressperson, Marc Veasey, on December 7"]
Musicians End Strike
Dallas activists were pleased to read that the musicians union in Fort Worth has voted to end their three month strike. Unionists from all over North Texas rallied in support.
The Fort Worth newspaper writes, “After a three-month strike, the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra will be making music again. The musicians voted on Wednesday to approve a new labor agreement with orchestra management that includes a pay freeze for the first two years and modest pay raises in the last two years of the four-year contract." Read more here.
More Actions Coming Up
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