How Important Is Labor to You?

Do Dallas activists appreciate the relationship between our problems and the need to organize working families? If they do, they will surely join the Dallas AFL-CIO’s effort to win the current elections and unify our progressive movement. Contact Political Director Mariah Warwick and find out just how easy it is to make a major difference!

Rally for Voting

The Dallas AFL-CIO joins CWA 6215 and Texas Alliance for Retired Americans in an Early Voting Rally on April 19. As the first voters go into the County Courthouse, 600 Commerce in downtown Dallas, they will be encouraged by our public rally.

In a time when certain politicians are doing everything they can to curtail voting, a big turnout is the best way to defend democracy. Come and join us! Contact Earnest Tilley or Judy Bryant.

Come Together for Working Families

Union leaders at the Dallas AFL-CIO Central Labor Council meeting on April 15 enthusiastically supported the unifying public events set for May 1. The events now have 20 union and related organizations as co-sponsors! Please join in.

A get-out-the-vote car caravan will assemble at 9 AM at Colonial Baptist Church, 6459 Scyene Rd Dallas 75227. Over their car radios from KNON, they will be addressed by young activist Rosie Curts, a teacher and member of Young Active Labor Leaders. Then the President of the Texas AFL-CIO, Rick Levy will speak. The car caravan will end at Everglade Park, 5100 N Jim Miller Rd in East Dallas. By 11AM we’ll start our picnic, softball games and other activities. There’ll be free food, union music, and labor speakers, including the new Secretary Treasurer of the Texas AFL-CIO, Leonard Aguilar.

Everyone is asked to vote first, then join this historic event on International Workers Day

Study up!

Sister Bonnie Mathias asks everyone to consider taking advantage of an opportunity to learn parliamentary procedure.

Battle of Texas Continues

The Texas AFL-CIO began a critical “Week of Action” on April 12. They are fighting against big business interests for democracy, voter rights, the right to organize, the right to keep warm, and other matters critical for working families. Sign up to help: https://bit.ly/3wRKivl.

One of the really interesting approaches to political action is to make a video message to one’s state legislator. It’s surprisingly easy at https://texasaflcio.capsule.video/.

Texas State Employees Union organizer Michele Goodwin has a long list of telephone calls that need to be made to employers:

DFPS- 1. Call Chair of Human Services (Rep James Frank 512-463-0534) to request hearing on Hb4479 by Walle Establishing caseload standards
2. Call Chair of Human Services (Rep James Frank 512-463-0534) to request hearing on HB204 by Cortez establishing a Grievance procedure for HHSC and DFPS
HHSC- 1. Call Chair of Human Services (Rep James Frank 512-463-0534) to request hearing on HB204 by Cortez establishing a Grievance procedure for HHSC and DFPS
SSLC/SH- 1. Call Chair of Human Services (Rep James Frank 512-463-0534) to request hearing on HB1376 by Rose relating to high injury risk compensation
2. Call Chair of Senate Human Services (Sen Lois Kolkhorst 512-463-0118) to request hearing on Sb1410 by Gutierrez relating to high injury risk compensation
3. Call Chair of Human Services (Rep James Frank 512-463-0534) to request a hearing on HB3307 by Hernandez establishing a $15 minimum wage for direct care workers at SSLC and SH
TWC- 1. Call Chair of State Affairs (Rep Chris Paddie 512-463-0556) to request a hearing on HB3427 by Guillen creating a salary career ladder for certain state employees.
2. Call Chair of Senate Finance (Sen Jane Nelson 512-463-0112) to request a hearing on SB2056 by Menendez creating a salary career ladder for certain state employees.
University- 1. Call Chair of House Higher Education (Rep Jim Murphy 512-463-0514) and request a hearing on HB1076 by Meza to study the long term effects of tuition deregulation
HB-2138 Blanco (Removal of parking fees for students and staff w disabilities)
ROC- 1. Call Chair of Senate Finance (Sen Jane Nelson 512-463-0112) and ask them to vote favorably on SB620 by Lucio to allow a retiree to serve on ERS board
2. Call Chair of pensions (Rep Rafael Anchia 512-463-0746) to request a hearing on HB 1847 by Alma Allen to provide a COLA to ERS retirees
TDCJ Parole- 1. Call Chair of House Appropriations (Rep Greg Bonnen 512-463-0729 ) and request the State Fully fund the TDCJ LAR request for Additional FTE’s to lower caseloads.
TJJD- 1. Call Chair of House Pensions (Rep Rafael Anchia 512-463-0746) to request a hearing on HB3393 to include TJJD in the Law

National AFL-CIO Sets Week of Action

America’s national labor federation begins another week of action on April 25 and ending May 1. The period includes Workers Memorial Day and International Workers Day. The main focus will be on passing the Protect the Right to Organize (PRO) Act. Observers agree that the mighty Amazon corporation and others would be unionized quickly if labor law were not tilted so dramatically in favor of corporations. The PRO Act will make organizing a reality for the millions of working families so desperately in need.

More actions coming up

4/16: Continue virtual week of action thru 4-21. Sign up to help: https://bit.ly/3wRKivl

Apr 17, 10AM: Union activists gather to talk over local union issues. Immediately afterward, they will be calling to get out the vote. Contact mariahwarwick20@gmail.com

Apr 17, 5P: Protest for peace and environment at 5910 N Central Expressway

Apr 19, 10A: Rally for first day of early voting at the County Courthouse, 600 Commerce in downtown Dallas. Contact etilley@cwa6215.org

Apr 20: Last day to apply for ballot by mail for May 1 local elections

Apr 27: Botham Jean Blvd opens in Dallas. Replaces Lamar Street

May 1: Election day; International Workers Day. Contact Gene Lantz