Dallas Labor News December 23, 2016
Solidarity Makes the Best Christmas Gift!
[caption caption="Musician Stewart Williams received gifts from Kym Grant and Lewis Fulbright"]
The Fort Worth Symphony Musicians return to work December 26 after an arduous strike. Working people everywhere are grateful to them for standing up against the employers. Part of that gratitude was expressed by members of the Dallas AFL-CIO when Jennifer Fulbright arranged gift giving between Musicians President Stewart Williams, CLC President Kym Grant, and Lewis Fulbright, who heads the Postal Workers Human Relations Fund.
Two strikers who bore the extra burden of new maternity are the target recipients. All told, the strikers will receive two $500 gift cards and a total of 35 $10 Kroger gift cards. Central Labor Council members added their donations to the big gifts from the Doctor's Guild and the the Postal Workers Human Relations Fund.
AFL-CIO Seeks Women for Training
The AFL-CIO is asking for applications to the Women’s Global Leadership Program March 14-17 in New York City. Applications are due by 5pm on January 23, 2017. Complete information is available on-line. The application is online. For more information contact kbien@aflcio.org. Space is limited, so early application is highly encouraged.
The Women’s Global Leadership Program (WGLP) is a four-day program in New York City that brings together women union and labor movement leaders and activists from across the United States to learn about the global economy and strengthen organizing and advocacy skills.
Participants will develop tools and contacts to advance pro-worker, pro-women policies at the local, national and global level. They will also learn how to use their understanding of global issues to strengthen organizing campaigns that involve a multinational employer.
The training will happen in conjunction with the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (CSW), a yearly meeting that bring together governments and human rights advocates from around the world to discuss key issues affecting women’s empowerment. CSW is perhaps the largest international gathering of women in the world, and participants will be able to attend panels and other events. Participants must secure funding from their local union or other outside sources, unfortunately the AFL-CIO cannot cover individual costs for this program.
Your Retirement Is at Risk
The Texas Alliance for Retired Americans is organizing a protest/news conference outside the office of U.S. Rep. Sam Johnson (R-Plano), chair of the Social Security subcommittee of the House Ways and Means Committee, at 1255 W. 15TH St., Plano TX 75075. Meet us at 10AM on December 28 to show support. Johnson has filed a bill that would cut Social Security drastically. Analysts say it would mean a 35% cut from current levels:
- Raising (again) the retirement age
- Cuts in benefits for some seniors
- Cuts in the cost-of-living formula
Another major threat to retirement comes from House Speaker Paul Ryan, who has been trying to turn Medicare/Medicaid over to private insurance companies for several sessions, but has much more big-time support from Trump nominees now. Working people will be calling congresspersons at (866) 828-4162 on January 4. They expect to call the White House on January 24.
More Actions Coming Up
Dec 28, 10A: Rally and news Conference outside the office of "Grinch" Congressman Sam Johnson, 1255 W. 15TH ST. PLANO TEXAS 75075. Contact 214-942-4236 or 214-729-0063.
Jan 4, 12:30P: Dallas Chapter of Texas Alliance for Retired Americans meets at 2010 Postal Way
Jan 4 & 23: National Medicare Call-In Day. The number is (866) 828-4162
Jan 7, 9A-5P: Bernie reunion with Jim Hightower at 1408 N Washington. Call 817-881-6287 or 817-921-0433. Event listed: https://www.facebook.com/events/1753137044952289/
Jan 10: Beginning of State Legislature
Jan 16: Martin Luther King Jr birthday celebrations
Jan 20: Inauguration day in Washington DC: Pick your local action from a growing list!