On May 19, Local 848 delegates were with the unanimous vote for a Dallas AFL-CIO Labor Day Breakfast this September. It is scheduled for the Sheraton Grand hotel just north of DFW Airport. Last year, over 300 attended.
The delegates were pleased to review successful endorsements in the city elections. Our candidate in Place 14 was the only outright defeat, and we endorsed Angela Hunt in the runoff. Delegates from the American Federation of Teachers (AFT) announced that all of labor's endorsed candidates for school board had triumphed, as did our two candidates for Dallas County School Board.
Discussion of the Texas Legislature in session was not as upbeat. Alliance/AFT President Aimee Bolender (pictured in black suit below during swearing-in ceremony) told the union delegates, "I have never seen a legislature that is so hateful when it comes to public education."
Darlene Ewing, the new chair of Dallas County Democrats, gave a very optimistic assessment for future local elections. She said she would work with labor representatives.
Local union reports were full of upcoming activities and pleas for solidarity. Kevin Tinker of the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) Local 1377 said, "The Bush Administration is trying to take away union rights for federal employees." Steelworkers (USWA) Local 1487 wants help with upcoming judiciary races. Their delegate said that the present judges have run unopposed for so long that, "They think they are gods!" The Steelworkers union concerned with city employees wants help in a fight for political freedom. Sister Nancy Hall of Communications Workers (CWA) Local 6215 called for help with important state legislation. Teamsters (IBT) Local 745 invited everyone to their hall for a memorial service on June 5.
All UAW 848 members are eligible to attend the AFL-CIO meetings at 7:30 on the third Thursday of each month at 1408 N Washington in Dallas.