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Dallas Labor Sharpens Skills

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While we continue to defend against anti-union attacks, labor supporters learn more about current challenges and how to fight back.

Texas AFL-CIO Leads Fight for Unions and Democracy

Click here to send an email to your state legislator against House Bill 156. It is designed to cripple public employees' unions. It would eliminate their ability to pay union dues through payroll deductions We believe that all workers should have the freedom to use their paychecks as they see fit.

If Trump Fires Mueller, Are You Ready?

Progressive organizations across the nation are preparing contingency plans for the possibility that President Trump will provoke a constitutional crisis by firing Special Counsel Robert Mueller. Dallas organizer Liz Wally says "This is a protest we don't want to have," but we have to be prepared. Wally says  that protests will begin at Dallas City Hall.

If Mueller is fired before 2PM, then protests will take place at 5PM.

If Mueller is fired after 2PM, then  the protest will take place at noon the following day.

The news is pouring in at a hot pace. Mueller has chosen to use a grand jury with subpoena power. Presumably, it could reveal the President's tax records. Certain Republicans and Democrats are promoting a bill to prevent Trumpfrom firing Mueller.  Meanwhile, the Dallas newspaper has revealed connections between Russian donors and several top Republicans.

North Texans Meet New Veasey Chief of Staff

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North Texas labor leaders gathered at UAW 848 in Grand Prairie on August 3 to meet Askia Suruma, the new Chief of Staff for labor's champion, Congressman Marc Veasey. He was introduced by Jane Hamilton, who is returning to Dallas from the Washington office. 

Suruma started by addressing labor's hopes that President Trump would create a job-building infrastructure program as he promised. Suruma summarized, “He promised infrastructure building but he hasn’t done anything.” Suruma said that Congressman Veasey is Co-Chair, along with Congressman Brendan Boyle of Pennsylvania,  of the Blue Collar Caucus.

Manufacturing workers are concerned about Trump's trade negotiations, but Suruma thinks the Republicans are going to be too busy dealing with their plans to cut taxes for the rich, set a budget, and raise the debt limit to get anything else done in 2017. In 2018, they will be too worried about getting re-elected to do much of anything. On the trade issue, Suruma said, “I don’t think anything is going to happen.”

The active and retired union members gathered took advantage of the occasion to promote several ongoing issues. Jerrell Miller of the Communications Workers urged everyone to call 866-897-7779 to encourage ADT to negotiate fairly.  Helen Brown informed the union members about tough dealings between Auto Workers Local 129 and Texstar. Almost everyone showed interest in getting a copy of the new labor history book, "Frank Little and the IWW." Brian Golden of Tarrant AFL-CIO thanked everyone for continuing to help the Transport Workers in negotiations with American Airlines. He said, "We had 2,700 out at DFW the other day!"

More Actions Coming Up

NOW, and through the Texas legislature’s special session send an emailto your legislator against HB156 anti-union bill 

Aug 5, 9A: NAACP- Arlington, Texas & Coalition Of Black Trade Unionist- Fort Worth Mid Cities Chapter Voter Registration Drive at  Barber and Stylist  College , 5504 Matlock Road, Arlington

Aug 6, 5P: Activists gather at Magnolia Theatre, 3699 McKinney Avenue in Dallas for early screening of “An Inconvenient Sequel” climate change movie. Meet at Mi Concina restaurant next door afterward for discussion on environment. Contact Molly Rooke

Aug 9, 6:30P NAFTA and Texas: 23 Years of Failure at 1408 N Washington. Contact Bob Cash  

Aug 9: Launch Party for New Leaders Council Dallas Chapter 

Aug 10: Public Citizen v. Donald J. Trump environment case to be heard in court

Aug 10, 3P: “Rally for Removal’ [of confederate statues] at Founders Cemetery on Young near the Convention Center

Aug 15, 6P: Congressman Veasey Town Hall meeting at Anita Martinez Rec Center, 3212 N Winnetka Av, Dallas 75212. More information: 214-741-1387

Aug 17, 6P: Congressman Veasey Town Hall meeting in Tarrant County College Opportunity Center, 5901 Fitzhugh Av, FT Worth 76119. Contact Nelly Decker (Nelly.Decker@mail.house.gov) or at 202-225-9897 RSVP

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