When? NOW!
When is the best time for you to take action for our living conditions and basic democracy?
NOW is the perfect time to win for working families in the Dallas City Council and School Board, because NOW is when they are being elected. Dallas AFL-CIO urges all progressives to come to 1408 N Washington 6-8PM Friday, May 5, to call voters. It’s our greatest priority!
NOW is the time to remember that Tuesday of this week was the 90th anniversary of the day that Nazis outlawed unions in Germany.
NOW is the time to advance labor’s national and state political agendas by writing and calling our representatives.
Senator Bernie Sanders said “now” at a rally in front of the nation’s capitol this morning, May 4: “Now is the time to raise the minimum wage.” Mary Kay Henry, President of the Service Employees International Union and Liz Shuler, President of the AFL-CIO echoed his call for support for new federal legislation “now!” For the short video, see our facebook page.
All union activists and supporters are encouraged to send photos of their election and legislative activities during this crucial period. Send to genelantz.dallasaflcio@gmail.com.
New Tactic Available Now
While worldwide millions marched and demonstrated on May 1, Dallas activists tried out an innovative tactic: “flying pickets.” We picketed several locations in a short period of time along a secret route. Stu Becker of Alliance/AFT and Young Active Labor Leaders organized the effort using smart phones. He wrote an article that is receiving wide national attention. Participants felt that the tactic may be useful in upcoming labor fights. Plus, we had fun and are eager to do it again!
Now, Dallas Labor Gets News Coverage
The hard work that we put in has begun to pay off in more news coverage. Our own Rena Honea, President of Alliance/AFT, spoke at length about Texas educator’s issues on Channel 11. Judy Bryant of Alliance/AFT and the Texas Alliance for Retired Americans brought excellent coverage to our retiree efforts on Channel 5. She has been told to watch for more on Channel 11 tonight, May 4. Their video cameraman as well as a reporter from the Dallas Morning News attended the retiree’s May 3 picnic.
Allred Announces Senate Run Now
Some Dallas retirees are patting themselves on the back for urging Representative Colin Allred, an AFL-CIO member from the NFL Players Association, to run for U.S. Senate in 2024. See the video. We will undoubtedly be inviting Allred to speak at labor's big celebration at 1PM on May 13 at the APWU Hall, 2010 Postal Way in West Dallas. People and organizations are buying tables for $100 and signing up for the talent show. Contact lluckhardt.dallasaflcio@gmail.com
The best ongoing information source on labor's battles and celebrations remains ed@texasaflcio.org. Contact Ed Sills and ask for regular updates.
MORE ACTIONS COMING UP
May 5, 6-8P: Labor’s phone banking from 1408 N Washington. Contact Jtomlinson.dallasaflcio@gmail.com
May 6: Election Day. Labor's candidates are listed on our web site
May 11, 7PM: Young Active Labor Leaders monthly meeting. Contact Rosie quinnopolis@gmail.com
May 13, 1PM: Dallas labor's International Workers Day celebration and talent show "Rain or Shine!" at APWU Hall, 2010 Postal Way in West Dallas. Contact lluckhardt.dallasaflcio@gmail.com
May 13: The annual National Association of Letter Carriers “Stamp Out Hunger” Food Drive. Donations go to North Texas Food Bank:
May 29 Texas legislative regular session ends (whew!)
Jun 7, 12:30P: Dallas Chapter of TARA meets in Oak Cliff. Everyone invited. Contact Judy4tara@aol.com at 214-729-0063