Everything Is Underway or Being Planned!
If you missed the Dallas AFL-CIO Central Labor Council meeting on February 16, you can check the furious list of upcoming events below. Marches, rallies, pickets, and lobbying campaigns are being planned everywhere! Some of the events are beginning to cross over from protests to activities that actually affect the economy. The general strikes being called today are the first ones in America since 1947!
Even though many people did not see it coming, the "Day Without an Immigrant" general strike hit hard all over the nation on February 16. In Dallas, the main effect was the closing of businesses and absenteeism among students. A major rally was addressed by County Judge Clay Jenkins and Commissioner Elba Garcia. The size of the response is an indication that protest actions can be organized very quickly on social media such as Facebook and Twitter.
Another general strike, "A Day Without Womern," is being organized for March 8 by the same people who organized the largest demonstrations in American history on January 21. In general, they ask that people refrain from economic activity such as going to work and shopping.
Labor Is In the Thick of the Battle
At our February 16 meeting, Nirav Sanghani read off the names of our organizational allies in the immigrant/refugee struggle. We have never seen so much solidarity among progressive groups! We succeded in getting a good resolution through the Commissioner's Court and are now working on City Council. Financial Secretary-Treasurer Mark York told the labor delegates, "We expect it to get very ugly!" He outlined several of the ways that labor is helping meet the crisis. Legal help is critical of course
Hannah Alexander, an attorney from the Equal Justice Center, addressed the labor delegates. They are among the many who are helping to make sure that federal immigration agents do not exceed their authority. They may be reached at 469-228-4226 ext 302, or by visiting 1250 W Mockingbird Ln, #455, Dallas 75247.
York also emphasized the upcoming local elections. Political Director Lorraine Montemayor announced a Candidates Training Session for March 5 in the West Dallas Library. Afterward, the AFL-CIO will gather information and put the candidates through a rigorous screening. When labor makes its endorsements, York said, we will tolerate no "back door" efforts by candidates to try to get individual unions to break our unity. York said that unity has been the key to our successes up to now and will certainly be continued.
Mark York introduced three City Council candidates to the labor delegates. In the photo they are Dwayne Caraway, Dominique P Torres, and incumbent Scott Griggs. Griggs told the delegates to expect a fight between a welcoming resolution and an anti-immigrant one in upcoming meetings.
AFL-CIO Leadership Is Established
Labor's battle plans will not be slowed down by democratic processes, because our leadership selection process was completed at the February 16 meeting. A large group of new delegates were sworn in. Mark York will continue to lead the council as Financial Secretary-Treasurer. George Rangel, longtime activist with the Alliance/AFT teachers' union, will take over from Kym Grant as President.
"I Love My Country" Says Immigrant Labor Activist
Maria Estrada of Workers United addressed the February 16 meeting of the Central Labor Council. She gave a firsthand account of worker struggles from the point of view of the undocumented. The solution for all, documented and undocumented, is organizing! Estrada's union announced a list of plans for public activities.
More Actions Coming Up
Feb 18, 10A: President's Day Weekend March/Rally - For All Immigrants and Refugees at Dallas City Hall - 1500 Marilla St., Dallas 75201
Feb 19, 3-5P: Faith In Texas: February Moral Economy Strategy Session at Faith In Texas 7th Floor Training Room - 1111 W. Mockingbird Ln., Dallas 75247
Feb 21, 8:30A: International Day of Action for bank employees starts at CWA 6215, 1408 N Washington, Dallas 75204. 817-692-4206
Feb 25, 10A: Stand Up for Health Care at Congressman Pete Sessions’ office, 12750 Merit Dr # 1434, Dallas, TX 75251 214-729-0063
Mar 4: Civil Rights march in Canton, MS, where the Nissan plant is
Mar 1, 6A: Free bus to Austin leaves from 1101 Midway Rd, Dallas 75229. “Day of the Fallen” lobby day for construction worker safety. 469-697-9540
Mar 6: Buses leave for Austin for health care lobby day. 214-729-0063
Mar 8: “A Day Without a Woman” general strike called by the same people who did the “Million Woman March” on January 21.
Mar 11, 10A-4P: Speakout Against Police Brutality at South Dallas Cultural Center, 3400 S Fitzhugh. MAPB 512 N Hampton Rd#148, Desoto 75115. Mothersagainstpolicebrutality@gmail.com. Anniversary of death of Clinton R Allen
Mar 11, 5P: “Reagan Day Dinner” at Omni Hotel downtown with Senator Ted Cruz and Donald Trump Jr
Mar 13, 6:30A: Buses leave Alliance/AFT office, Centre & Bishop in Oak Cliff for lobby day at the capitol
Mar 22, 9A: Expected vote on immigrants/refugees in Dallas City Council
Apr 15: “Tax Day Rally” to demand Donald Trump’s tax records. Contact Workers United
Apr 29: Climate march. Contact Workers United
May 1: Immigration activity. Contact Workers United