Despite the threat of hail and tornadoes, the Dallas AFL-CIO held another good meeting on March 16. The best part was probably “Report of Locals.” This month’s superstars were Alliance/AFT education workers, TWU556 Flight Attendants, CWA6215 Communications Workers, and Dallas Chapter of Texas Alliance for Retired Americans.
The school workers filled two buses with activists to lobby the Legislature in Austin. The flight attendants broke all recent records for getting commercial news coverage when they picketed Love Field. The communications workers and retirees held outstanding Black History events during the past month. Every union helped us hold a dandy Women’s History month dinner on March 8. All these public activities strengthen the labor movement and the critical cause of working families.
The business of the council was advanced by swearing in leadership. Big Ray Edmondson and Lewis Fulbright both drew applause for great work as president and financial secretary-treasurer respectively. Gene Lantz and Lou Luckhardt were sworn in for the next cycle. Bonnie Mathias continues in top leadership. Drew Kennedy is our new sergeant-at-arms.
Edmondson and Kennedy were appointed to the fund-raising committee and Judy Bryant was appointed to head our new constituency group to build union/community solidarity.
Build Solidarity
Judy Bryant says that the first constituency meeting will be held on-line tentatively at 4PM on Sunday, April 16. Everyone, union and non-union, is invited. Labor/community solidarity is the key to future victories. A good example was set this week when the Michigan legislature and governor decided to end their anti-labor “right to scab” law. Unions could not have done this alone. Solidarity wins!
Another Great Labor Ally Has Passed
Union members were saddened to learn of the death of Reverend Holsey Hickman. He and his great friend, Reverend L. Charles Stovall, were civil rights leaders and stalwart friends of the labor movement. They will be missed.
MORE ACTIONS COMING UP
Mar 31: Cesar Chavez’ Birthday
Apr 5, 10A-12P: Congressman Veasey’s Labor Steering Committee at UAW 848 hall, 2218 E Main in Grand Prairie. Contact melissa.alfaro@mail.house.gov
Apr 5, 12:30P: Dallas Chapter of TARA meets at AFT Hall, Bishop & Centre in Oak Cliff. Everyone invited. judy4tara@aol.com or 214-729-0063
Apr 12: TSEU lobby day. Contact Judy4tara@aol.com
Apr 13, 7PM: Young Active Labor Leaders monthly meeting. Contact Rosie quinnopolis@gmail.com
Apr 16, 4PM: All union members and supporters invited to first constituency meeting for labor solidarity. Contact judy4tara@aol.com
Apr 20, 7:30P: Monthly meeting for Dallas Central Labor Council. All members of affiliated unions invited. Contact jtomlinson.dallasaflcio@gmail.com
Apr 24: Early voting begins
Apr 24: Texas Federation of Teachers retiree lobby day. Contact Judy at 214-7290063
Apr 29: (tentative) Young Active Labor Leaders fund raiser
Late Apr: Texas Legislature budget night
May 1: International Workers Day
May 2: Early voting ends
May 6: Local elections