Dallas Labor Continues Fight
Even though we turned in almost twice as many signatures as required, the Dallas City Secretary has failed to do a full and fair recount and has ruled that were 871 signatures (1.6%) short of qualifying to require action on paid sick time for all workers in Dallas. At the Central Labor Council meeting on July 19, Dallas AFL-CIO Political Director Lorraine Montemayor said, “Our fight is not over, it is now in the hands of City Council to listen to the 120k Dallas residents that want Earned Paid Sick Time in Dallas.”
[caption caption="Lupe Valdez, George Rangel, Cindy Crofford, and Lorraine Montemayor" align="center"]
Montemayor said that aroused activists here should begin pressuring their city council members to stand up for paid sick time. The Working Texans for Paid Sick Time coalition is considering all fightback options.
The Council meeting stressed the importance of our Young Active Labor Leaders (YALL) chapter and the Veterans Council that is being formed. To join the veterans, contact Jason Tomlinson at jason@texasnewera.org.
Democracy Is Under Siege
The American right to vote and to curtail presidential overreach are in the headlines. Underlying all of our democratic rights is the right to organize, because individuals have little power by ourselves. Only when we organize can we stand up to the corporate oligarchs. But the right to organize has been hit hard, too.
Kevin Tinker, President of American Federation of Government Employees Local 3377, will reveal recent attacks against public employees on KNON’s “Workers Beat” radio program at 9 AM Saturday, July 21. The program will be podcast for two weeks under the “events” tab of KNON’s web site.
National AFGE is suing the Trump government on behalf of democracy. A national rally is planned for Washington DC on July 25, and our local response will take place at 11:30 AM at Belo Park, across from the downtown Federal Building at 1100 Commerce. All out for democracy!
Kevin Tinker told the July 19 Central Labor Council that presidential executive orders have taken away employees’ basic right to defend their jobs. Union offices are being closed throughout the federal system because of another order. The Janus Vs AFSCME Supreme Court case is designed to destroy the finances of public sector workers nationwide. Another order from President Trump’s Labor Department says that employers no longer need to disclose the union busters they hire.
Texas activists are already familiar with legislative attempts to curtail dues collection for public employees. These attacks are not limited to the United States. French railway workers just completed their 39th day of striking against privatization of public employees’ jobs.
A poll conducted by Dallas’ George Bush Institute and published in the Dallas newspaper revealed that 55% of Americans believe democracy is weak and 80% said it is getting worse. Only 18% expressed confidence in the federal government.
Concern about lack of democracy at the highest government level sparked a “Stand Up for Democracy” rally in North Dallas at 8 PM on July 18. Even though the advance publicity was limited to Facebook, 110 concerned activists showed up!
Valdez Speaks for Workers
Lupe Valdez, labor-endorsed candidate for Governor of Texas, came to our AFL-CIO meeting on July 19. Her main message was easy to understand: “Government should be about us, it shouldn’t be for the donors and their rich friends.” Valdez laughed off news articles that stress the gigantic pile of money opposing her in this election. “Of course it’s an uphill battle,” she said, “What other kind is there?”
Standing ovations are unusual at labor’s monthly meeting, but Lupe Valdez had one.
Deadline Set for Labor Day Breakfast
Lewis Fulbright, organizer for the most important labor function of the year, has set a deadline of August 15 to get advertisements, sponsorships, and seats for the September 3rd breakfast. Platinum sponsors donate $5,000, Gold sponsors donate $2,500, Silver Sponsors donate $1,000, and Bronze Sponsors donate $500. Tables for ten cost $350.
All checks should be mailed to the Dallas AFL-CIO office, 1408 N Washington Av, #240, Dallas TX 75204. For more information, call 214-354-9516.
More Actions coming Up
Jul 21, 9A: "Fight for Democracy" with Kevin Tinker of AFGE on KNON radio 89.3FM.
Jul 25, 11A: Stand Up for Democracy and the Right to Organize rally in Belo Park, opposite the Earl Cabell federal building, 1100 Commerce in downtown Dallas. National day to wear red. The hashtag for photos of folks wearing red is #RedforFeds. Contact Kevin Tinker, 469-774-1814
Jul 31: Teamster/UPS contracts expires if not already ratified
Aug 1, 12:30P: Celebrate anniversaries of Medicare/Medicaid (7/30/67) and Social Security (8/14/35) with the Texas Alliance for Retired Americans at 334 Centre in Oak Cliff. Contact 214-942-4236
Aug 2, 6P: Congressman Marc Veasey’s Town Hall meeting at Anita Martinez Center, 3212 W Winetka in West Dallas 214-741-1387
Aug 15: Deadline for buying advertisements and seats for the Dallas Labor Day Breakfast
