Dallas Labor on the Go!
Supporters of working families begin weekly canvassing tomorrow, September 8, through the November elections. Meet at 10AM at 1934 Pendleton Dr. Garland, Texas 75041 for merry campaigning! Contact Political Director Lorraine Montemayor at lmontemayor.dallasaflcio@gmail.com and do as much as you can!
Unions Oppose Kavanaugh
The National AFL-CIO strongly opposes the Kavanaugh nomination, saying it is an attack on the rights of working people. Call Texas U.S. Sens. Ted Cruz and John Cornyn at 1-844-899-9913. Watch the Video
“Professioinals” Can Strike!
Not so long ago, nurses and teachers were told that they were “professioinals,” not workers who could strike to improve their jobs. Nearly 6,000 teachers in nine Washington State school districts are walking picket, according to CNN. Barbed Wire Report says that unionized nurses in Texas and four other states have voted strike authorization if their contract negotiations are not satisfactory.
Dallas Labor Day Breakfast Was Best Ever
Principal officer Mark York presided over the biggest and best Labor Day Breakfast in Dallas history. We had two national union leaders speaking: UFCW International President Marc Perrone and ATU International Secretary-Treasurer Oscar Owens. Perrone told the crowd, “We are the labor movement. We are the last and only hope for America.” He also said, “The fight for justice will go on forever as long as there are greedy bastards out there!” A favorite quote was one word repeated three times, “Organize! Organize! Organize!”
Texas AFL-CIO President Rick Levy was in the audience and trying to listen while admirers hustled him into one photo opportunity after another. Louis Malfaro, leader of Texas’ biggest union, the Federation of Teachers, presented the Linda Bridges award for outstanding union women to the Dallas AFL-CIO Political Director, Lorraine Montemayor. The applause showed how much everyone agreed with the choice. Montemayor said, “You are the backbone of this country!” Then, true to form, she began outlining the hard work planned for this election season.
The award for “Hero of Labor” deservedly went to DJ Garza of the UAW. As an organizer for the Workers’ Defense Project, Garza has made a difference in winning rights for Dallas workers. The “Community Champion” award went to Faith in Texas. Among other efforts, they turned out many volunteers for the recent petitioning campaign to win paid sick time.
Political Leaders Know the Value of Union Support
Mark York, attempted to mention every office holder and candidate in the audience, but there were a lot of them. Texas governor candidate Lupe Valdez put it this way: “I work with unions because we want to do the right thing for every working Texan.”
Colin Allred, candidate for Congress in District 32 — one of the most closely watched races in America — wowed the crowd. Like many candidates this year, he is a union member. Also on the dais were Congresspersons Eddie Bernice Johnson and Marc Veasey. The Texas Democratic Party Chair, Gilberto Hinojosa, came to speak, as did Senator Royce West, State Rep Victoria Neave, County Judge Clay Jenkins, Commissioner John Wiley Price, and Councilman Scott Griggs. Out in the audience, there were many more. For photos, see our Dallas AFL-CIO Facebook page.
Look Back, Look Forward!
Old timers can remember when the annual breakfast was mostly limited to union leaders. Today, the entire progressive movement is pulling together.There are no barriers between the Dallas AFL-CIO and every aspect of the progressive movement. The Labor Day breakfast points the way toward a future in which the entire progressive movement is truly focused on working families. In that future, nothing can stop us!
More Activities Coming Up
Sep 8, 10A: Door-to-door outreach from 1934 Pendleton Dr.Garland, Texas 75041
Sep 8, 2P: “Rise for Climate” rally at Dallas City Hall
Sep 12, 11A-1P: “Living Wage Rally” at Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport, Gate D40, 2400 Aviation Dr, DFW Airport, TX 75261
Sep 13, 1P: Free movie, Free popcorn! Top union film “Norma Rae” at UAW 848, 2218 E Main in Grand Prairie. Contact Gene Lantz 214-942-4236 or genelantz.dallasaflcio@gmail.com
Sep 29, 6P: KNON presents the original film “Shaft” at the Texas Theater, 231 W Jefferson, 75208
Oct 7, Noon-10P: Dallas labor participates in a political/music festival at Main Street Garden Park in downtown Dallas
Oct 22: First day of early voting
Oct 26: Last day to request to vote by mail
