About two dozen candidates received a cordial welcome at the Dallas AFL-CIO Central Labor Council meeting on November 16, but only State Representative Roberto Alonzo received two standing ovations!
"We reward our friends, and we practice loyalty," labor leader Mark York said as he introduced the nationally-recognized Texas rep who has stood by working families through thick and thin. Alonzo has drawn an opponent in the March primary elections. He told the crowd that a lot of work is in order even though things may seem calm on the surface.
A great deal of the November meeting concerned the elections that are upon us. Participants were asked to familiarize themselves with the candidates and get ready for labor's rigorous screening process that will begin soon after the December 11 filing deadline. Unionists were also asked to investigate the possibility of becoming precinct chairpersons in order to greatly increase their own ability to affect outcomes in 2018.
Mark York encouraged a big turnout at a public examination of the race for Dallas County Democratic Party Chair. All three candidates will come to the Communications Workers Union Hall, 1408 N Washington,
Make Sure Our Workplaces are Safe
Mark York called attention to our ongoing efforts for safe workplaces. He has asked Cindy Crofford to take information on any sexual harassment cases that may come up, even though he pointed out that the Dallas labor movement is "miles ahead" of most organizations in this regard. Crofford has had national training on handling safe workplace problems.
Inequality Is On the Rampage
Herb Keener drew attention to the congressional drive to pass their "tax plan" before anybody can find out how it benefits the rich and cuts everybody else. Inequality in America is already destroying our society, Keener says, and the new legislation that has already passed the House of Representatives will make it much worse. Keener will apeak out on the "Workers Beat" radio program at 9 AM on November 18 on KNON radio 89.3 FM. He is planning a more expanded educational experience for December 2 and a demonstration at Senator Cornyn's office on December 5.
Young Workers Lead
The November 16 meeting had a good contingent of alert members of Young Active Labor Leaders (YALL). They will hold their regular 3rd Monday meeting at 7PM on November 20.
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More Actions Coming Up
Nov 18, 9A: “Stop Runaway Inequality” is topic on “Workers Beat” talk radio. Herb Keener guests. www.knon.org/workers-beat and 89.3FM
Nov 18, 9A-4P: “Secrets of a Successful Organizer” training at 1111 Empire Central Pl, Dallas 75247 Contact Ryan Haney Rhaney777@gmail.com 214-675-4411
Nov 18, 3P: “The Commish” talk show broadcasts live from 1408 N Washington with three candidates for Dallas County Democratic Party Chair
Nov 19, 3P: Rally in solidarity with NFL players who “take the knee” for justice. At Friendship-West Baptist Church. 2020 W Wheatland Rd, Dallas, Texas 75232. Afterward, buses will take demonstrators outside the Cowboys game
Nov 20, 7P: Young Active Labor Leaders (YALL) holds its 3rd Monday meeting at 1408 N Washington.
Nov 30, 5:30P: Dallas Peace and Justice Center annual banquet will honor labor activists Elaine and Gene Lantz at Doubletree Hotel, 4099 Valley View Ln in Dallas. Info https://dpjc.org/2017-peacemaker-awards-dinner
Dec 2, 11A-2P: Education to “Take on Wall Street to Stop Runaway Inequality.” Sign up with Herb Keener, Hwkjr54@sbcglobal.net or 214-543-3078
Dec 16, 9A-7P: Live interviews as part of screening of nearly 200 candidate at 1408 N Washington.