A lot of people, especially younger people, would like to fight for our living standards and democracy, but they aren’t sure how. That’s why they need to work with labor!
At 2PM tomorrow, May 20, Dallas activists will gather at 5334 Ross Avenue to continue our program of “Flying Pickets.” We leaflet and picket several low-paying employers in a short period of time along a secret route. Contact Stu Becker at stubecker89@gmail.com or 816-352-6127
The Texas labor federation has organized a major statewide rally at the State Capitol for May 20, 2-4PM. The legislature has come up with some truly awful anti-worker bills. Labor has lobbied successfully in several important cases. Some of those coming up tomorrow:
- SB 1933 would allow the [Republican] Secretary of State to effectively seize control of a local election in any county with virtually no evidence and with no ability for counties to appeal or challenge the decision.
- SB 1070 would require Texas to leave the multistate voter registration crosscheck program known as Electronic Registration Information Center.
Labor's actions usually have immediate goals, but we also grow stronger for future challenges.
Win Another Election!
Political Director Jason Tomlinson told the Dallas Central Labor Council on May 18 that we had done better than other labor groups in the May 6th local elections, but we still have one more race to win. Our endorsee, Joe Tave is in a runoff in Dallas District 3.
Turnout on May 6th was so low that our union members in the district, by themselves, could easily bring us another victory. Tomlinson is organizing volunteers who want to see labor win. Contact jtomlinson.dallasaflcio.org or 214-826-4808.
Labor Plans for more Tomorrows
Joe Montemayor, representing national AFL-CIO, started a discussion on long-term planning at our May 18 meeting. We are soliciting input from all stakeholders, which includes community groups as well as union members. Send your input to genelantz.dallasaflcio@gmail.com. We hope to have a long-term plan written in mid-July. Here are some of the ideas you might consider:
- More public labor actions
- More constituency groups
- More info into our database
- Coordinate communications better
- Make our activities more fun like our picnic and talent show on May 13th
Informally, the labor leaders also discussed ways to improve the mechanics of our monthly meetings. Here are some of the suggestions:
- Encourage face-to-face attendance instead of on-line
- Move camera into the middle or re-arrange chairs
- Investigate getting more advanced equipment
- Ask on-line participants to keep their video camera on
More Actions Coming Up
May 20, 2-4P: Rally at State Capitol, south steps
May 20,2P: “Flying Pickets” gather at 5334 Ross Avenue to leaflet and picket for higher wages at a number of places in a short period of time along a secret route. Contact Stu Becker at stubecker89@gmail.com or 816-352-6127
May 28, 9A-12P: Young Active Labor Leaders “Sip In” solidarity with Starbucks workers at Preston and Inwood streets. Contact Rosie quinnopolis@gmail.com
May 29 Texas legislative regular session is scheduled to end (whew!)
Jun 7, 12:30P: Dallas Chapter of TARA meets in Oak Cliff. Everyone invited. Contact Judy4tara@aol.com at 214-729-0063
Jun 8, 7PM: Young Active Labor Leaders monthly meeting. Contact Rosie quinnopolis@gmail.com
Jun 10: Runoff election day. Check for early voting info
Jun 10, 9A-5P: “Trouble Makers School” by Labor Notes at the IBEW hall in Austin
Jul 21: Deadline for suggestions for long-term planning
Jun 31: Possible date for decision in Glacier National V Teamsters Supreme Ct case that could destroy our right to strike