The February 20 Central Labor Council meeting was another excercise in excitement. There are more happenings than can be recounted, but photos and a short video are on our Facebook Page and on Youtube. We wrapped up our internal democratic elections with Sergeant-at-Arms Gene Lantz and Secretary-Treasurer Mark York both re-elected. Everyone was asked to turn out for the 10AM canvassing on February 22 from 1408 N Washington. A string of speakers reported on thrilling accomplishments and vital challenges facing working families.
For example, Lawrence Castillo of the United Steelworkers Union reported that copper mining and processing workers in Amarillo are striking in their fourth month against the ASARCO transnational corporation. Being on strike is tremendously difficult for working families. Divorces are common and suicides are not rare. Money is not their only problem, but it's a big one. We can contribute our dollars to help.
Labor council activists are involved in virtually all progressive social issues as well as the bread and butter problems. The Council, and no one else, coordinates political activities for all the unions in the county. Paying for our get-out-the-vote activities was the main topic when Ray Oliver Edmondson talked about the golf tournament fund raiser. The council sponsors door-to-door canvassing every weekend leading up to every election, and the cost for each event is estimated at $300. We can help!
Birabil Endorsed Again
Just to clear up any confusion, the February AFL-CIO meeting enthusiastically endorsed Lorraine Birabil to win the March 3 primary election. Birabil had been endorsed earlier in a special election, which she won handily, but that term expires in January. She has to win again this year to extend her term beyond January 2021.
Birabil drew thunderous applause when she addressed the Council meeting. She said "Worker power will prevail!." All of the other candidate endorsementsfor Texas, Dallas, and Tarrant County are on our web site.
Early voting is underway now and ends February 28. Congressman Marc Veasey has sent out directions to find early voting locations. Dallasites can vote at any location in the county.
More Actions Coming Up
Feb 22, 10A-1P: Get-out-the-vote canvassing from 1408 N Washington. 214-826-4808
Feb 22, 11:45A-2P: Census Ambassador Training at 1408 N Washington. Lunch included. 314-750-4673
Feb 24, 4P: Rendezvous at 11001 Midway Rd, Dallas for public action on behalf of injured construction worker. 469-657-3926
Feb 24, 5-7P: Get-out-the-vote phone banking from 1408 N Washington
Feb 28: Last day of early voting
Feb 28, evening: Author/writer/comedian Lee Camp's stand-up show and book-signing at Deep Ellum Art Co. Contact Leslie Harris (214) 437-6047
Feb 29, 3:30P: “Just Housing in Dallas” documentary viewing and discussion at 334 Centre
Mar 2, 5-7P: Get-out-the-vote phone banking from 1408 N Washington
March 3: Primary election day