Expect labor to publicly respond to the threats from fanatics in Congress sometime before November 17, the deadline for the next government shutdown. A last minute mix-up on times and places prevented our holding one already.
A shutdown would hurt everybody, beginning with our federal workers like the TSA guardians at the airport, then all the other working families in America, and all over the world. Retirees are especially worried.
It’s important to realize that the problem is not just some kind of cat fight among politicians, the underlying problem is this: A fanatic fringe in Congress wants to extend tax cuts for the rich while cutting essential programs for working families, especially children and retirees.
The Steelworkers outlined some of the Republican anti-worker proposals:
- Defeating labor’s protections under NLRB
- Cutting health protection under OSHA
- Undermining our job security under trade agreements
- Eliminating educational opportunities, especially for women
- Cutting retirement security under the Social Security Administration
They ask us to tell Congress: Keep It Open!
On Veterans’ Day, the national AFL-CIO is calling on us to fight to protect our warriors from the past, as well as all working families,from Republican cuts and threats.
Victories Are Ours! What’s Next?
Success breeds success. Labor has already had clear victories against behemoth corporations and entertainment magnates. Some of the biggest tentative contracts have yet to be ratified, but we have shown unity, toughness and originality that put management back on its heels. In the elections just past, Texas workers showed our ability.
There are a lot of other labor challenges going on. We still have to beat back the threats from Washington and Austin. Major organizing drives are being prepared. Labor and our many allies must continue to draw together, educate ourselves, and take meaningful action for working families. The Dallas AFL-CIO Central Labor Council meeting on November 16 is a critical center for planning. Don’t forget to wear red every Thursday.
Fun Ahead!
Union people always have fun, but it’s even better when we’re clearly winning. This year’s AFL-CIO Christmas Party promises to be better than ever. Contact Jason at jtomlinson.dallasaflcio.org to arrange sponsorships and tickets for "Casino Night" on December 15.
Please Join our Solidarity Brigade
We update the action calendar on our web page as new events are set. You can combine labor’s Google calendar into yours. For text reminders of immediate actions, text the word “action” to the phone number 235246.
Please Join our Solidarity Brigade
MORE ACTIONS COMING UP
To-Be-Announced-Soon: Public action against cutbacks and threats of government shutdown
Nov 11, 9A: “Workers Beat” on KNON.org and 89.3FM will discuss threats to working family and possible government shutdown. Call 972-647-1893 to talk on the air
Nov 16, 7-9A: “Red Cup Rebellion” to help organize Starbucks. Register
Nov 16, 7:30P: Dallas AFL-CIO Central Labor Council for all affiliated union members
Nov 17: Another Government shutdown crisis is probable
Nov 25, 4-8P: Unity Dinner on “Free Palestine” at Midway Hills Christian Church 11001 Midway Road Dallas, Texas 75229
Nov 27, 3P: “Watch Your Wallet” personal economics webinar sponsored by National Alliance for Retired Americans. RSVP here
Dec 6, 11:30A: Dallas retiree Christmas Party. Contact Judy 214-729-0063
Dec 7: Medicare open enrollment period ends
Dec 7, 6P: Dallas Peace and Justice Center Meet-Up at First Unitarian Church, 4015 Normandy Av, or on Zoom. Parking and meeting details are available
Dec 16: ? Dallas Central Labor Council Christmas Casino Party at 1408 N Washington. Contact jtomlinson.dallasaflcio@gmail.com