There is no longer anything routine about labor meetings. The Dallas AFL-CIO Central Labor Council meeting of April 16 took up issues of the highest consequence:
- Workplace safety
- “Return to Work” plans
- Saving our environment
- Vote-by-Mail to save democracy
Safety First!
Union representatives reported on their number of Coronavirus cases. They reported on the availability, or lack of it, of personal protective equipment. Kym Grant of the Doctor’s Guild was applauded for having helped working families find safety equipment. Every union has improved conditions for their members, but many problems remain. At least three separate unions reported knowing about Coronavirus cases that are being kept secret by company management!
Return to Work?
President Trump, Texas Governor Abbott, and many of their Republican supporters are defying medical experts and calling for people to return to work as early as May 1st. Three major AFL-CIO leaders at the April 16 meeting emphasized that science and health information must take precedence over the wishes of opportunistic politicians. They were: Artie Blanco of National, Rick Levy of Texas, and Mark York of Dallas. Mark York announced that he is forming a labor committee to work with Judge Clay Jenkins and County officials to make sure that working families do not face unnecessary risks.
Save the Environment!
York also announced that guidelines are coming in for Dallas to form a committee on the Green New Deal. The crisis was underlined that same day when scientists announced that the Southwestern United States was suffering the first man-made mega-drought in human history and President Trump announced the lifting of restrictions on environmental pollution.
Fight for Democracy!
Texas AFL-CIO President Rick Levy hailed a recent court victory legalizing vote-by-mail for all Texas voters. He blasted Texas Attorney General Paxton for trying to intimidate those of us who want to see voting rights preserved without risking our lives by going to crowded polls. The meeting gave special attention to Brother Lewis Fulbright, who reported on efforts to undermine and privatize our postal system. The attacks on vote-by-mail and attacks on the post office should not be seen as coincidental.
Labor Is Leading
Reports from National, Texas, and Dallas emphasized steps being taken to provide leadership through the pandemic. All of them are expanding their communications efforts. Rick Levy will present “Live at Five” labor messages on Facebook Live at 5 PM every Monday. Dallas continues to add more activists into its emergency communication network, especially through the new professional texting service available to all activists who text “action” to 235246.
Levy emphasized the urgency of our political situation in Texas, “We have to run the biggest, baddest, union movement that has ever been run!” He especially emphasized the importance of the April 16 meeting: “Dallas is still the epicenter of the political world this Fall!”
More Actions Coming Up
Apr 20 (and every Monday) 5P: "Labor Live at Five" on Facebook
Apr 22: Earth Day. Support special efforts to get rid of "Shingle Mountain" and environmental racism
May 20: Deadline for AFL-CIO scholarship applications for union member families with graduating seniors
June 22: Dallas AFL-CIO Golf Tournament
Jun 20: Poor People's Campaign is planning a Moral March on Washington
