At the August 19 monthly meeting of the Dallas AFL-CIO, members of the Labor Day Breakfast planning committee talked about plans to further enhance the experience. On a motion from Rena Honea, President of Alliance/AFT, the Council decided that the 2021 Labor Day breakfast must be virtual. The rising COVID virus has made large indoor gatherings a safety hazard.
Firebrand activist Travis Cantwell said that the speakers will be “really amazing!” One of them is the National President of the American Postal Workers Union! They are in negotiations with far-reaching consequences.
Jeanne Schulze of AFGE 1003 was the first to say that her local’s financial commitment to the success of the event will not change. Virtual events differ from “in real life,” but aren’t necessarily worse. Political Director Mariah Warwick is working out details with the many individuals and organizations who have already committed to the project, and with new participants. Contact her soon at political.dallasaflcio@gmail.com. For individual or group tickets, we may use the convenient donation button.
Labor Makes a Difference
Even while the Dallas AFL-CIO continues fighting for workers’ rights on every front, upcoming battles are drawing near. Political leaders came to the August Council meeting to begin asking for support in the next round of elections: Phillip Kingston, Paul Ridley, and Chris Leal took two minutes each. Their attendance shows that Dallas labor continues to have a profound political effect.
The Council was also pleased to welcome AFL-CIO Regional leader Artie Blanco and the new head of Texas Building Trades, Thomas Kennedy.
More Opportunities at Hand
During the period around Labor Day, churches and other organizations welcome speakers from labor. We can get speakers to fill that demand. Our web page has a “Speakers Bureau” section. Activists are encouraged to watch for these opportunities and let our digital organizers know.
Voter Rights Assault on Monday!
The following just came from Texas AFL-CIO:
The quorum break ended late yesterday and the House immediately began moving SB 1 and other bad bills on Gov. Greg Abbott’s agenda. The fight is now!In light of the pandemic, we are asking you to take part in the first two actions below, with a third voluntary option for those who want to oppose SB 1 at the Capitol in person:First, the House Select Committee on Constitutional Rights, which will hear SB 1, has provided an option for you to officially and formally OPPOSE SB 1 electronically. Go to this link — https://comments.house.texas.gov/home?c=c090 — and follow the instructions.Second, phone your State Representative’s office to OPPOSE SB 1. As a constituent, your representative pays careful attention to such calls. Polite but firm opposition can be persuasive in stopping or at least improving bad bills. To make the call, click here to be connected to your state representative.Third, to do battle at the source, you can join labor and allied activists at the Capitol. The Texas AFL-CIO, 1106 Lavaca St. in downtown Austin near the Capitol, will be available to provide advice on access to the hearing, safety measures, talking points and other matters. Fair warning: The wait to testify has been very long in past hearings and could be again. To connect with us on testifying in person against SB 1, please call Lorraine Montemayor at (214) 448-1557.Your voice matters. Thank you for joining us in the fight for voting rights.In solidarity,Rick Levy, PresidentLeonard Aguilar, Secretary-Treasurer
MORE ACTIONS COMING UP
Aug 21, 6P: “March for Our Kids" begins at Tarrant County Courthouse.
Aug 21: Anniversary of Nat Turner’s slave rebellion
Aug 21, 3P: SOAR Chapter meets at Steelworkers Hall
Aug 23: Testimony on anti-labor bills in the state capitol
Sep 2, 7P: College of Complexes ZOOM free speech forum with labor speaker Gene Lantz Contact Tom Berry
Sep 5, 10A: Pathways UU church ZOOM service with labor speaker Gene Lantz. Contact Mary McMahon
Sep 6: Dallas Labor Day Virtual Breakfast
Sep 6, 11A: Dallas Democrats Labor Day Picnic at Ernie Roberts Park, 515 Pleasant Run Road, Desoto, TX, 75115
Sep 6, 1P: Tarrant County Splash Dayz celebration at water park, 405 N Las Vegas TR, White Settlement, 76108
Sep 20: Expiration date for American Postal Workers Union national contract
Sep 28: National Voter Registration Day