Come Together, Right Now!

The Dallas AFL-CIO will finish its elections for nominated officers at the regular 3rd Thursday meeting at 7:30PM on February 16. Lou Luckhardt of the Steelworkers (pictured) won’t have to worry because he was elected principal officer by acclamation.

Union democracy is intense and time-consuming, but, in the long run, it brings us together and keeps us together. We’re also launching labor’s united effort to elect local candidates. Working together for working families is the cement that makes everything work. All members of affiliated unions and constituency groups are automatically welcome at the Central Labor Council meeting. Other labor-friendly progressives may contact Lewis Fulbright at LFulbri649@aol.com about being invited.

Study the Past, Understand the Present

February is Black History Month, but all labor is exploited and Black history is the study of the most exploited part; consequently, it is of great interest to all of us. Fortunately for us, The 1619 Project is airing on the HULU streaming service. Its six episodes give the unvarnished truth about the Black experience from the beginning of slavery to the present. Episode Four, about the connections of exploited labor then and now, is a tremendous opportunity to understand the necessity of unity.

Texas retirees contributed to the study of history by showing the documentary "Power to Heal" on-line.  It reviews the civil rights movement as applied to desegregating health care. Organizer Judy Bryant is looking for more ways to call attention to this important message.

Dallas labor's Facebook Page could resume featuring daily history blurbs if interest were shown. Every day has reminders. For example, February 11 is "White Shirt Day" in the Auto Workers Union. They wear dress shirts to work in commemoration of their great victory in organizing General Motors with a sit-down strike in 1937. It is also the day that Nelson Mandela was finally released from prison after years of worldwide efforts from labor and civil rights progressives. Dallas activists, especially from the UAW and APWU, sold "Free Mandela" buttons and picketed Shell stations to help get him out of jail.

MORE ACTIONS COMING UP

Feb 11: White Shirt Day in UAW commemorates Flint strike 1936-7

Feb 11: Nelson Mandela released from prison in 1990

Feb 16, 7:30P: Monthly meeting for Dallas Central Labor Council. All members of affiliated unions and constituency groups invited. Contact Lewis Fulbright at LFulbri649@aol.com

Feb 17: Filing deadline for local candidates

Feb 19, 5P: “Know Your Rights” presentation at Denton Unitarian Church. Contact dentonworker@gmail.com

Feb 19: KNON Mardi Gras at Poor David’s Pub

Mar 1, 12:30P: Dallas Chapter of TARA meets at AFT Hall, Bishop & Centre in Oak Cliff. Everyone invited.  judy4tara@aol.com or 214-729-0063

Mar 8: Celebrate International Women’s day with Linda Chavez-Thompson at 1408 N Washington. Contact jtomlinson.dallasaflcio@gmail.com

Mar 10: Texas Legislature bill filing deadline

Mar 13: Alliance/AFT buses go to Austin for Lobby Day. Contact George Rangel at 214-942-4663

Mar 16, 7:30P: Dallas AFL-CIO delegates meeting at 1408 N Washington

Mar 18, 1P Eastern: Anti-war march on Washington. Register here

Mar 31: Cesar Chavez’ Birthday

Apr 12: TSEU lobby day. Contact Judy Bryant at judy4tara@aol.com

Apr 24: Early voting begins