All working women were celebrated by the Dallas AFL-CIO on March 8. Previously, we had a number of good events for Dr King’s birthday and Black History Month. By March 31, Cesar Chavez’ birthday, we will have a new solidarity group for Latinos up and running. Chip Serrano, State President of Labor Committee for Latin American Advancement, signed up new members and Juana Ramirez of Workers United agreed to organize the Dallas Chapter. We already have strong organizations for retirees (TARA) and young workers (YALL). Activists can strengthen these organizations whether they are union members or not.
Women, youth, and people “of color” are consistently gaining on middle-aged white men in their percentage of union membership. Unions are more widely popular than ever. Working families’ prospects for winning never looked better!
On International Women’s Day, we especially honored Linda Chavez-Thompson. In 1995, she became the first Latina and the first woman to break into labor’s top leadership. Photos and videos from our dinner are all over social media.
Lou Luckhardt organized our event, Lorraine Russ decorated the CWA Hall, and Jason Tomlinson did all the artwork and electronics.
Improve Jobs and Win Elections
Labor’s broad approach will pay off with better wages and working conditions. Electoral clout will continue to provide long-term improvements.
Jason Tomlinson is calling for volunteers to help win for working families in the current local elections. Members of affiliated unions will be screening candidates all day March 11 and most endorsements will be set at the Central Labor Council meeting on March 16. Then the real work, involving all unions and our many allies, begins! Contact Jason at jtomlinson.dallasaflcio@gmail.com.
Organizing Looks Good
The Bureau of Labor Statistics just released its February data. Economists were surprised to see that hiring is still strong despite the Federal Reserve’s efforts. The overall unemployment rate is set at an unusually low 3.6% but, as always, much worse for Latinos (5.3%) and Blacks (5.7%). While productivity is going up at around 6.8% annually, wages rose only .2% in February -- an .8% rate that will not defend us against inflation.
Everybody needs a raise, and the way to get it is to organize!
MORE ACTIONS COMING UP
Mar 10: Texas Legislature bill filing deadline
Mar 13: Alliance/AFT buses go to Austin for Lobby Day
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, 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 13, 7PM: Young Active Labor Leaders monthly meeting. Contact Rosie Curts at quinnopolis@gmail.com
Apr 24: Early voting begins