For most of our problems today, building a strong labor movement is the answer. More people are joining unions, but activists with no union to join can also help win strikes, boycotts, negotiations, elections, legislation, and organizing drives for working families.
The Dallas Central Labor Council already has two wide-open constituency groups to join. The 40-and-under activists will love being in the Young Active Labor Leaders. Contact Rosie at quinnopolis@gmail.com . Anybody can join the Dallas chapter of Texas Alliance for Retired Americans. Contact Judy at judy4TARA@aol.com. The Labor Committee for Latin American Advancement is re-forming its Dallas chapter. Contact state president Chip Serrano at Chip@ufcw540.org.
The AFL-CIO sponsors other constituency groups that need chapters in Dallas: The A. Philip Randolph Institute, Asian Pacific American Labor Alliance, Coalition of Black Trade Unionists, Coalition of Labor Union Women, and Pride At Work. They are unions' bridge to diverse communities, creating and strengthening partnerships to enhance the standard of living for all workers and their families. Follow our “More Actions” list below to see the many kinds of things that activists might help with. Sign up to help.
Women Add Their Great Strength
Women are increasing the numbers and abilities of the labor movement. In 1995, Linda Chavez-Thompson, a Texas woman, demolished the glass ceiling at the top ranks of our labor movement. She will be honored at 6:30PM on International Women's Day, March 8, at 1408 N Washington in East Dallas. Tickets for the dinner are only $15 and can be purchased on-line or with checks sent to Dallas AFL-CIO, 1408 N Washington#240, Dallas TX 75204.
Picket March 2
No solidarity work is more effective, and feels better, than direct action! Here’s an invite to an informational picket from Renda (rmarsh@twu556.org) of Southwest Airlines Flight Attendants:
“We would love to ask for your support for our continued quest for quality of life issues, compensation, boarding pay, crew meal breaks, and contractual compliance and adherence. We would love for you to join us at the Dallas Love Field airport for physical presence and solidarity, drive through Dallas Love Field and honk your horn or simply keep us in your thoughts as we fight for the rights of our 19K member workgroup.”
The fun starts at 9:30AM on March 2 and lasts until 2PM. Use airport parking and join in for any part of it.
Political work advances
Political Committee leader Jason Thomlinson praises the delegates who have already volunteered to win the upcoming local elections for working families. They were able to develop city council candidate questionnaires and get them out quickly through united effort. The next steps include tabulating the candidates’ responses then personal screening before making recommendations and getting the best ones elected. The state federation has offered to provide free training to the participating delegates. Contact jtomlinson.dallasaflcio@gmail.com.
Meanwhile, labor’s legislative efforts intensify at the state and national levels. Educator and state employee unions are both planning buses to Austin for lobby days. All serious activists need to email ed@texasaflcio.org to get honest day-to-day updates.
MORE ACTIONS COMING UP
Mar 1, 12:30P: Dallas Chapter of TARA meets at AFT Hall, Bishop & Centre in Oak Cliff. Everyone invited. judy4tara@aol.com or 214-729-0063
Mar 1, 6P: Zoom community meeting on ending the Dallas digital divide. Please register: bit.ly/EndDigitalDivide
Mar 2, 9:30A-2P: Picket with TWU 556 Flight Attendants in front of Love Field. Airport parking.
Mar 6, 6P: Educational meeting on the Texas legislative process at Tarrant County Central Labor Council| 4025 Rufe Snow Dr., Fort Worth, Texas 76180. Contact Angi at angi.defelippo@tcclc.org
Mar 8, 630P: Celebrate International Women’s day with Linda Chavez-Thompson at 1408 N Washington. Contact jtomlinson.dallasaflcio@gmail.com
Mar 9, 7PM: Young Active Labor Leaders monthly meeting. Contact Rosie at quinnopolis@gmail.com
Mar 10: Texas Legislature bill filing deadline
Mar 13: Alliance/AFT buses go to Austin for Lobby Day. Contact George at george@alliance-aft.org
Mar 16, 7:30P: Monthly meeting for Dallas Central Labor Council. All members of affiliated unions invited. Contact jtomlinson.dallasaflcio@gmail.com
Mar 18, 1P Eastern: Anti-war march on Washington
Mar 31: Cesar Chavez’ Birthday
Apr 5 (tentative): Congressman Veasey’s Labor Steering Committee
Apr 12: TSEU lobby day. Contact Judy at judy4tara@aol.com
Apr 24: Early voting begins