Our News is Your News
Did you notice that the Washington Post editorial policy has shifted toward the MAGA Republicans? The internet billionaires have, too. Surely you noticed that the Dallas Morning News has dropped all new Doonesbury comics because they criticize Trump. As the corporate “news” bends its knees to fascism, union communications grow more important every day.
Fortunately for Texans, our state labor federation has launched a comprehensive weekly newsletter. They urge all of us to write labor@texasaflcio.org to make sure we’re on the e-mailing list. They also encourage all union supporters to send in news tips, articles, and photos. When our dreaded Texas Legislature is in session, labor communications from Austin are vital!
In this Thursday’s edition, they announced that Texas labor leaders will be touring the state. Their first stop will be San Antonio on April 1. That’s something we can all get behind!
Here in Dallas, we have this weekly newsletter, our comprehensive web site, an updated Facebook page , our CLC President and Vice President on FM radio at 9AM every Saturday, and our new Blue Sky account @dallasaflcio.
Hot Actions Continue
Dallas labor activists are encouraged to join a march that begins at 2 PM Saturday, March 8, at Civic Garden Park, 1100 Commerce in downtown. Dallas AFL-CIO did not call this event, but we are joining in the spirit of much-needed unity rather than organizing our usual International Women’s Day Celebration. North Texas needs to come together rather than letting our progressive events overlap and compete.
Similarly, many of us are participating in the national buying boycott of February 28 even though we have no idea who called it. There’s a crisis for working families in America, and we must do what we can.
National AFL-CIO Calls Emergency Meeting
Labor leaders from all over the country met with President Liz Shuler and the national labor federation on February 27 after Republicans in the U.S. House passed a budget resolution that threatens working families. All the cuts for workers and tax handouts for the wealthy will not become law until the Senate and House agree; consequently, there is time for everybody to get active on the legislative front.
Shuler hailed the many protest actions taking place around the country. She said there were 3 different kinds of important activities:
- Visibility events like rallies & demonstrations
- Press events and town halls
- Lobbying events where workers shared their stories
Shuler summarized, “Those were great and good examples of how nimble and quick we can be.” Later in the discussion, she added, “This fight is just getting started.”
Candidate Screening Begins
Delegates to the Dallas AFL-CIO start screening City Council candidates on March 1. Their recommendations will go to the next Labor Council meeting, then will be posted on our web site in plenty of time for everyone to make their commitments to winning the next election.
The process is long and complicated because labor’s endorsements really mean something. When we say a candidate is best for working families, they are. Contact Earnest Tilley at etilley2006@yahoo.com and get involved in labor's electoral work.
Join Our Solidarity Brigade
Click here to get updates whenever activists are needed. For text alerts, send the word "action" to the phone number 235246. Paste Bit.ly/DallasCLC?r=qr into your browser and join our political program.
Contact List
- Political Committee Earnest Tilley etilley2006@yahoo.com
- Pride at Work Shayla Nguyen shaylan3912@gmail.com
- Texas Alliance for Retired Americans Judy Bryant judy4tara@aol.com
- Young Active Labor Leaders Stu Becker stubecker89@gmail.com
MORE ACTIONS COMING UP
Feb 28: National boycott of all purchases all day
Feb 28, 6P: “Community Gathering & Concert with Tom Neilson” at United Methodist Church, 5835 Penrose Av in Dallas. Contact jharris866@aol.com
Mar 1: “National Day of Action” to demonstrate at Tesla outlets
Mar 5, 12:30P: Dallas Chapter of Texas Alliance for Retired Americans meets at 334 Centre. Everybody welcome. For an an on-line opportunity, register here. Contact judy4tara@aol.com
Mar 5, 6P: Grassroots meeting to clarify educational issues for elected office holders and save the federal Education Department at the AFT Hall, 334 Centre. Contact renahonea@sbcglobal.net
Mar 7-14: The “People’s Union” calls for boycott of Amazon
Mar 8, 2P: International Women’s Day action in Civic Garden Park, 1100 Commerce downtown Dallas. Contact britni.cuington@gmail.com
Mar 8, 5:30P: “Femme Festival” fund raiser for Genesis Women’s Shelter at 1906 S Haskell
Mar 10: Texas American Federation of Teachers Lobby Day in Austin. Buses available. Contact judy4tara@aol.com
Mar 10: Congressional recess. Go visit
Mar 13, 11A: Covered dish luncheon at 2218 E Main in Grand Prairie. To participate on-line, register here
Mar 14: Another possible government shutdown
Mar 20, 7:30P: Dallas Central Labor Council meeting for all affiliated union members
Mar 24: Workers Defense Project lobby day in Austin. Contact maria.dejesus@workersdefense.org
Mar 30, 1P: Mega March for Bipartisan Immigration starts at the Cathedral of Our Lady of Guadalupe at 2215 Ross Ave, Dallas, TX 75201
Apr 4: Dallas Democrats fund raising fish fry at 7428 Greenville Av
April 9: TSEU Lobby Day (Texas State Employee Union) TSEU Members and Allies Welcome! Gather at Wooldridge Square Park, 900 Guadalupe St, Austin 11:30 am March to the Capitol for rally and lobby visits
Apr 16, 11:30AM: SOAR (Steelworker Retirees) Fish fry at The Wildflower Inn at Hughes Spring. Van from Dallas leaves at 9AM from 1408 N Washington
Jul 25-27: YALL state convention in North Texas