Dallas labor wants power for working families, and power is decided in elections. The October 19 Central Labor Council meeting took up many issues and activities, but none is more important than our unified electoral work.
Several candidates came to the meeting to emphasize the importance of labor's support. State Rep Victoria Neave created one of our greatest successes in 2016 because she snatched a close victory from a long-standing anti-worker incumbent. Julie Johnson will try to do the same thing in District 115. Mark Watson, seeking a judgeship in Criminal District Court #7, put it clearly: "The union endorsement carries a lot of weight out there with the public.”
Leaders from Dallas County Schools also sought labor's help in stopping privatization of school transportation. Dr Kyle Renard asked for a "FOR" vote on the last item on the ballot.
The following list of November 7 choices was distributed to the Labor Council:
Constitutional Amendments
- FOR: Proposition 1, 5, 6 and 7
- AGAINST: Proposition 2 and 4
City of Dallas Proposition
- FOR: Propositions A-J
Dallas County School Board Special Election
- FOR: Proposition A
Labor Embraces Community Involvement
American Federation of Teachers member Kokayi Kwa Jitahidi brought a delegation of community activists from Los Angeles to our Central Labor Council meeting. They included environmentalists, housing experts, and community organizers. Two of them were introduced as "rock stars" who organized car wash workers into unions. Their presence emphasizes the AFL-CIO commitment to work with all progressive organizations for the good of working families.
Activists from our own area impressed the visitors with the long list of upcoming trainings and public activities we are working on. Check our Facebook Page for a lot more photos and explanation.
More Actions Coming Up
Oct 20, 4P: North Texas Transit Riders meet at Union Station. They will distribute leaflets against the impending fare increase!
Oct 21, 9A: Lauren Tenney from “Our Revolution” guests on the Workers Beat talk show, http://knon.org and 89.3 FM
Oct 22-25: National AFL-CIO Convention in St Louis
Oct 23: Early voting begins for Nov 7th elections
Oct 24, 6:30P: DART Boardmay decide on 20% fare hike!
Oct 28, 3-5P: “The Comish” Talk Show on candidates for Dallas County Democratic Party Chair broadcasts live from 1408 N Washington
Oct 30, 5:30P: “Our Revolution” Happy Hour at 1408 N Washington
Nov 2, 5P: DACA Teacher Group meeting at 334 Centre, Dallas 75208
Nov 3: Last day of early voting for Nov 7 elections
Nov 7: Election Day