Voting Rights Come First
The main focus of the Dallas AFL-CIO meeting on June 17 will be our fight for voting rights, according to principal officer Lewis Fulbright. North Texans will not stand by while Republicans in the Legislature violate democracy. Actions are already underway. Just before the Central Labor Council Executive Board, a “Freedom Ride” bus will leave 1408 N Washington at 6PM on June 17. Juneteenth will especially highlight the long fight for civil and voting rights. Retirees will stream their special voting rights meeting on Facebook on June 24. Across the state, Texans are calling their representatives.
The trip to New Orleans and back is free. The UNITE-HERE union is sponsoring it. Contact Texas AFL-CIO Education and Human Rights Director LaTonia Benoit and Mobilization and Campaigns Coordinator Lorraine Montemayor for details.
Voting rights have been at the center of the civil rights movement since the Civil War. Some of the Texas House Democrats were able to defeat it in the legislative session just past, but the Governor has sworn to call a special session to pass some of the most abysmal anti-democracy legislation in the nation. Every day is another opportunity to fight back! Watch our Facebook page for more developments.
Dallas Hosts Secretary of Labor
Congressman Colin Allred brought Secretary of Labor Martin Walsh to talk with labor leaders on the morning of June 11 at the CWA 6215 hall, 1408 N Washington. They were welcomed by Texas AFL-CIO leader Leonard Aguilar. Dallas leader Lewis Fulbright introduced the program. Some of the most influential labor leaders of North Texas warmly welcomed Allred and Walsh.
Allred called Walsh “The very best Labor Secretary that we could possibly have.”
Martin Walsh began, “This is the time to be on the move.” He went over some of the pro-labor accomplishments of the Biden Administration, but spoke mostly about the future. Walsh said that the American Jobs Plan and the American Families Plan are vital for our infrastructure, workforce training and child care. Walsh said firmly that only labor can bring back decent living standards for America. All the speakers emphasized the necessity for community support. Emily Timm of Workers Defense Project was a panelist.
None Are Safe Till All Are Safe
Dallas activists rallied at the German Embassy, 17130 Dallas Parkway, at 6PM Sunday, June 6, to push for international access to vaccines. The pandemic is hitting the richest countries less, but it is still raging in most of the world.
Texas Fair Trade spokesman Bob Cash says that the Biden Administration and 100-plus countries are standing with us for a coordinated global program, but Germany and politically powerful pharmaceutical companies are not.
More Actions Coming Up
Jun 12, 5P: "Red, Black, Green Climate Change Conference" at Pan African Connection Book Store, 4466 S. Marsalis Ave, Dallas
Jun 15: Southwest Regional AFL-CIO meeting held virtually
June 15: Final deadline for income taxes. Congressman Marc Veasey is offering help. Call the office in Fort Worth at (817) 920-9086 or Dallas at (214) 741-1387
Jun 17, 6P: “Freedom Ride” bus leaves from 1408 N Washington, Dallas
Jun 17, 7:30P: Dallas AFL-CIO Central Labor Council meeting at 1408 N Washington for all affiliated members
Jun 19, 10A: Celebrate end of slavery in Texas. March organizes at William Blair Jr park and goes to Fair Park
Jun 19, 1:30P: CWA Juneteenth celebration on Facebook
Jun 19 (tentative): Rally against privatization in Denton. Contact Joshua Hatton
Jun 24, 6:30P: Texas Alliance for Retired Americans presentation on voter rights will stream on Facebook.
Jun 26, Noon: Young Active Labor Leaders river “Float In.” Contact Angela DeFilippo
Jul 2: DSA labor committee will discuss solidarity with working families in the Philippines.
Jul 27-28: Virtual Texas AFL-CIO Constitutional Convention
Aug 4-6: LCLAANational Convention in Las Vegas
Jul 27-28: Virtual Texas AFL-CIO Constitutional Convention
