Dallas Labor Holds Terrific Political Kickoff
The Dallas AFL-CIO held its biggest and best Labor Day Breakfast on September 4
Labor Day - Biggest and Best!
The Dallas AFL-CIO Labor Breakfast was a true gala. Besides honoring the pending retirement of Texas AFL-CIO President John Patrick, attendees donated or raised $50,000 for the Texas Workers Relief Fund.
The breakfast is the cornerstone event signifying the beginning of the forthcoming election cycle. Of the 500+ attendees. well over 150 were elected leaders from National, State and Local (City and County) offices. Principal officer Mark York writes, "Hundreds of union affiliates and community partners lift up and recognizes the hard work collectively we do together. At this year's breakfast, the labor movement was blessed to have National AFL-CIO Executive Vice President Tefere Gebre, Texas AFL- CIO President John Patrick, Texas AFL-CIO Secretary Treasurer Rick Levy and Texas AFT President Louis Malfaro. Columnist and commentator Ed Gray shared some very pertinent insights into today's situation. Collectively, we raised 50 thousand dollars for the hurricane victims."
After the breakfast AFL-CIO leaders went to Tarrant County to join their very successful picnic at the UAW 218 hall.
There are dozens of wonderful photos on Facebook.
Labor Stands Together Against Racism
During the Dallas Labor Day Breakfast, Texas AFL-CIO President John Patrick drew great applause when he said, “Texas Labor will stand against it every time racism lifts its ugly head.” During the week just past, labor leaders have been specific against President Trump's decision to end the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals ("DREAMERS") program. Patrick said, "Once again, our nation and state are engaged in hypocrisy and injustice, disrupting the lives of young working people who are building a better future for all of us. It is shameful DACA is ending and it is shameful the State of Texas was prominent in making it happen."
Dallas principal AFL-CIO officer Mark York adds, "Rest assured that the labor movement stands with working families whether they have papers or not.”
Transit Fare Increase Proposed
Activists with the North Texas Transit Ridersare asking everyone to attend board meetings of the Dallas Area Rapid Transit Authority (DART) to testify against rate increases that will hit the poorest residents hardest. They gathered over 800 petition signatures while riding DART buses and trains. They have already contacted key City Councilpersons.
The proposal would raise bus and train fares by 20% across the board, with some riders hit even harder. At the same time, the DART Board is considering two major building projects and substantial rebates to two of the area's wealthiest townships. Board meetings are 6:30 PM on Sep 12, Sep 26, and Oct 23.
More Actions Coming Up
Sep 8, 3:30 PM-6:30: Protest with environmentalists @ Energy Transfer Partners HDQTRS, 8111 Westchester Drive, Dallas, Texas 75225. Society of Native Nations: Frankie Orona 323-377-0245 Yolonda Blue Horse 972-971-5676
Sep 12, 6:30P: North Texas Transit Riders asks people to testify against a big transit fare hike at the DART Board Meeting. Contact NTXTransitRiders@gmail.com
Sep 16, 2P: Gay Pride parade takes place on Cedar Springs Road starting at Wycliff Avenue in Dallas
Sep 18, 9A-Noon: Congressman Marc Veasey “Senior Seminar” at Primrose Oaks Senior Apartments, 2514 Perryton Dr, Dallas 75224
Sep 18, 7:30P: DFW Young Active Labor Leaders (YALL) meets at 1408 N Washington in Dallas