When Under Attack, What Do We Do?
When working people are under attack, what do we do?
Stand Up! Fight back!
“We are under attack!” said one of the guest speakers at the Dallas AFL-CIO Central Labor Council meeting on August 15. We knew that Dallas Democratic Party Chair Carol Donovan wasn’t just talking about Democrats. She meant the entire progressive movement and, especially, labor.
In recent weeks, the Trump government has moved to allow corporations to initiate union decertification proceedings every time a contract is due. Federal unions have been kicked out of their offices and restrained from being able to represent their members. Environmental protection laws are being scrapped and scientists fired. Health care is being slashed. Lawsuits are filed against workers’ right to paid sick leave in Austin, San Antonio, and Dallas.
Fightback Underway
Reports at the Central Labor Council cover what has happened and what is going to happen. Most importantly, we come together on strategies that can win for working families. On August 15, delegates were especially proud of the solidarity displayed on behalf of the Sky Chef airline caterers during their massive actions two days earlier. See our website for explanations, photos, and videos. Sign up for more actions in this critical contract fight.
Principal officer Mark York will soon meet with national AFL-CIO leaders, he reported. Political Director Lorraine Montemayor explained the fight to keep our paid sick leave victory. She also outlined preliminary efforts to win the next elections. Several candidates came to ask for labor’s assistance. Judy Bryant asked everyone to help the retirees fight to lower drug prices during their August 20 Day of Action. Jeanne Schulze thanked everyone for helping federal workers in their battle for union rights and basic democracy. Louis Malfaro outlined the fight for health care.
Jason Tomlinson reported on our biggest event of the year, the Dallas AFL-CIO Labor Day breakfast. We expect to exceed last year’s record-breaking attendance of over 500 activists and interact with everyone with a desire to win. Contact Tomlinson at jtomlinson.dallasaflcio@gmail.com, 214-826-4808 or 817-975-1756.
More Actions Coming Up
Aug 16, 4P: Representative Allred will meet with labor leaders. Contact Judith Tankel judithtankeltx32@gmail.com
Aug 16-18: “Unite the Right” anti-worker organization is expected to hold events in the area around SMU.
Aug 17, 8A: KNON Koffee Klatch & Strategy Session at 11311 N Central Expressway. Contact genelantz19@gmail.com
Aug 17, 2-4P: 350 Dallas monthly climate action community meeting at Central Market on Lovers Ln at Greenville Ave in Dallas (5750 E Lovers Ln, 75206) in the community room on the 2nd floor. Contact weare350dallas@yahoo.com
Aug 20, 10A: National Day of Action to Lower Prescription Drug Prices at Senator John Cornyn's Dallas office, 5001 Spring Valley Rd. Contact 214-729-0063
Aug 24, 11:30A: Pre-Labor Day Bash with Texas State Employees Union at 737 S R.L. Thornton Fwy in Dallas.
Aug 24, 6P: Gene Lantz speaks on “Solving the Crisis in America” at Roma’s Pizza, 7033 Greenville Av, Dallas
Sep 2, 9AM: Labor Day Breakfast in Dallas at Eddie Deen’s Restaurant
Sep 2, 1-4PM: Tarrant County Labor Day Picnic at Legacy Park Pavilion, 701 NW Green Oaks Blvd, Arlington, 76006
Sep 2, Noon-4PM: Dallas Democrats Labor Day picnic at 1414 N Washington
