john,
Here is your weekly news from the Texas Labor Movement.
Union Block Walk Set for Runoff That Will Test Battleground Waters in Texas House District
Dr. Eliz Markowitz, the COPE-endorsed candidate in a special election runoff in Texas House District 28, this week got the endorsement of Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden.
That is a strong signal of the significance of the open-seat contest as a test run in an emerging Texas battleground district and of Markowitz's gravitas as a candidate. Whoever wins will take office and have something of an upper hand in a November election that will decide who gets to represent the district at the start of the next legislative session.
Whether you live in HD 28 or not, if you are in the Houston area this weekend, you can participate in a union block walk commencing at 9 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 11, at Mission Bend Library, 8421 Addicks Clodine Road, in Houston.
CWA Jumps Into Union Organizing in Video Game/Tech Industry
The Communications Workers of America has become a partner in the effort by video game and tech company working people to speak up together for better working conditions.
The Los Angeles Times reports the Campaign to Organize Digital Employees (CODE) hopes to expand organizing in an industry with very few union contracts.
The development holds potential implications in Texas, which has a growing high-tech community, and beyond.
- Read More
Garibay to Speak at Women's March in Austin
Texas AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer Montserrat Garibay will be a featured speaker at the Women's March in Austin on Saturday, Jan. 18.
U.S. Census Forms Should Hit Your Mailboxes by March 12; Get Ready to Be Counted
Now that we are in 2020, the all-important U.S. Census is about to take place.
The every-10-years American population count is used to distribute political power, in the form of representation, and money for public projects. Texas is projected to make major gains and see remarkable changes in demographics. The only thing that could rewrite that script is an under-count.
The Census should arrive in your mailboxes or email some time around March 12, the Austin American-Statesman reports.
The article offers practical details. The Texas AFL-CIO has called for a full count and we are continuing work to make that happen.
- Read More
State Judge Temporarily Halts Uncalled-For State Takeover of Houston School District
In a ruling that makes eminent sense, a state judge has temporarily stopped the state from taking over the Houston School District.
The Texas Tribune reports the ruling by District Judge Catherine Mauzy could put state takeover plans on hold until after a trial set for June, though the state intends to appeal.
Our Brothers and Sisters in the Texas American Federation of Teachers have sharply criticized the state's takeover plans, pointing up that the school district as a whole has improved on state measures dramatically. - Read More
Viral Facebook Post of the Week: Teens Need to Know They Can Make Money in Trade Careers
Song of the Week: Joan Baez Singing "Joe Hill"
Joan Baez turned 79 yesterday. Happy Birthday!
In 1969 Baez took the stage of Woodstock a little before 1 a.m. on the first evening. She was six months pregnant and missing her husband David Harris, who was in a Texas prison for protesting. “This is an organizing song,” she told the audience before playing “Joe Hill" - a famous folk ballad celebrating Joe Hill, the itinerant miner, songwriter and union activist who was executed by a firing squad in 1915.
“I never died, said he” is the song’s refrain.
Enjoy the Weekend! After All...We Fought For It!
Visit us at texasaflcio.org | Twitter | Facebook
Text WORK to AFLCIO (235246) to join our text action team. (Message and data rates may apply.)
