April 4, 2024

AFSCME 1624 Members,

Community and partnerships are very important to me. When we partner with our community, we broaden our impact and deepen our connections. Our collective action can ignite change not only within our workplaces but also within the neighborhoods we call home. By joining forces with community organizations, advocacy groups, and local leaders, we amplify our voices and make our concerns heard on a larger scale.

Our work is far from over. In the face of ever-changing economic landscapes and evolving labor markets, it is imperative that we remain steadfast in our commitment to one another. Whether it's fighting for pay and benefits, supporting social justice initiatives, or advocating for legislation that benefits working families, our unity with the community is our greatest asset.

When we come together as a union and a community, we become an unstoppable force for progress and justice. Each of us plays a vital role in shaping the future we want to see – a future characterized by equality, dignity, and respect for all.

As your union president, I am honored to stand alongside you as we seek to have a stronger union and a stronger community. Together we will harness the power of community and collective action to build a better world for ourselves, our families, and future generations.

Adelante,

Pedro Villalobos

AFSCME 1624 President

In this Issue

• City Manager Letter to City Council

• Cesar Chavez March

• Women’s Summit 2024

• Re-Entry Programs

• AFSCME Local 1624 Committees

• Nominate a Member for Recognition!

• AFSCME Local 1624 Family Scholarship Program

• Tesla Organizing

• Social Worker Survey

• Travis County Appraisal Board of Directors Elections

• Upcoming Events

CITY MANAGER LETTER TO COUNCIL

The Executive Board approved a letter from the President to City Council addressing our expectations that City Council direct the new City Manager to work in partnership with AFSCME Local 1624 to accomplish the goals of our membership. Read the letter below.

CESAR CHAVEZ MARCH

Saturday several dozen AFSCME Local 1624 members showed up to Parque Zaragoza to honor Cesar Chavez’s legacy fighting for farmworkers. AFSCME Local 1624 President Pedro Villalobos gave a speech to the attendees:

“Today, as we celebrate Cesar Chavez's remarkable life and legacy, we must also reaffirm our commitment to the principles he championed: fairness, equality, and justice for all workers. We must recognize the vital role that unions play in empowering workers, in ensuring that workers have a voice in the workplace, and in securing fair wages and benefits for themselves and their families.

But our work is far from over. In an era of growing inequality, of corporate greed run rampant, the struggle for workers' rights is as urgent as ever. We see it in the fight for a living wage, in the battle against exploitative working conditions, in the demand for affordable healthcare and childcare. These are not just labor issues; they are moral imperatives,. They are the heart and soul of our democracy.

En este Día de César Chávez, honremos lamemoria de un gran líder continuando su trabajo, construyendo un futuro dondecada trabajador sea valorado, cada familia sea apoyada y cada sueño esté alalcance. ¡Sí se puede!

Que viva el pueblo!

Que viva el trabajador agrícolo!

Que viva el obrero!”

WOMEN’S SUMMIT 2024

Are you interested in attending the Texas AFL-CIO 2024 Women’s Summit? If so, email info@afscme1624.org. AFSCME Local 1624 has a few spots open for anyone interested in attending free of charge.

The event will take place on April 26 -27,2024 at the TCEA building located on 3100 Alvin Devane Blvd., Building B, Austin, TX 78741.

Under the theme “Union Sisters Leading the Way” attendees will connect with women across the state, meet dynamic speakers, share ideas, and attend workshops about leadership training: public speaking, organizing, women’s health, equal pay for equal work, and mentorship.

Learn more about the event by clicking here.

RE-ENTRY PROGRAMS

AFSCME Local 1624 joined IBEW 520 and Judge Selena Alvarenga (AFSCME Member) to talk to people about job opportunities at the City and County. It is crucial to support people who have a criminal record in securing meaningful employment opportunities. We understand that finding a job can be daunting, and AFSCME Local 1624 is committed to providing guidance and resources to facilitate this process. We strive to ensure that every person can embark on a successful and fulfilling career path.

AFSCME Local 1624 COMMITTEES

Are you passionate about making a difference in your workplace and union? We're looking for dedicated volunteers to join several committees! Whether you're a seasoned member or new to union involvement, your voice and energy are invaluable in shaping the future of AFSCME. Step up, stand out, and be a force for positive change by volunteering for an AFSCME Local 1624 Committee today!

Click here to read more about the committees and to join one!

Workforce Housing Committee

2024 Allied Action Committee

2024 Social Events Committee

2024 Holiday Party Committee

If you don't see a committee you are interested in at this time, don't worry! More committees will be created in the coming months!

NOMINATE A MEMBER FOR RECOGNITION!

Has a fellow member performed an exceptional act of service that deserves recognition? We're calling for nominations to honor individuals who have not only demonstrated unwavering commitment to our union's ideals but have also gone the extra mile in serving their community or colleagues.

If you've witnessed a fellow member tirelessly advocating for fair wages, safe working conditions, standing up for the rights of their colleagues, organizing outreach programs, spearheading fundraising initiatives, or lending a helping hand to fellow members in times of need, we want to hear about it! Your nomination could spotlight their selflessness and inspire others to follow their lead.

Click here to nominate a member for recognition!

AFSCME Local 1624 FAMILY SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM

AFSCME Local 1624 believes that when we invest in our members and their families, we build a stronger community. To that end, the application for the Family Scholarship Program is now open! We will award five (5) $1,500 scholarships to graduating high school students for use for a college, university, or trade school program. The deadline to submit the application is May 15, 2024.

Click here to learn more and download the application.

TESLA ORGANIZING

At our last membership meeting we heard from the Tesla Worker Organizing Committee-UAW. They are organizing a union at Tesla. By forming a union, they aim to address many issues at work, such as

A lack of transparent and predictable wage increases
Dangerous work conditions
Job security, discrimination, and harassment; and
A general lack of respect for our work building Tesla into a multi-billion dollar company.

By forming a union, they want to collectively bargain with Tesla as equals and have a voice in making decisions about their jobs and workplace. Do you know someone who works at Tesla? Please have any Tesla employee visit Stand Up Tesla to join the effort to unionize Tesla.

SOCIAL WORKER SURVEY

The Association of Social Work Boards, in collaboration with the Social Work Workforce Coalition, launched the first-ever Social Work Census across the United States and Canada. The most comprehensive profession-wide study to date, the Census will generate an up-to-date picture of who today’s social workers are and what they are doing in their practice. Findings will help support the development of a more inclusive and equitable social work workforce and will be used in designing future competence assessments for social work licensure.

To learn more about the census click here. If you are a social worker fill out the census by clicking here.

TRAVIS Central APPRAISAL BOARD OF DIRECTORS ELECTION

An urgent challenge to equitable taxation in our community demands our immediate attention. On May 4, we're faced with an unprecedented election to select three members for the Travis Central Appraisal District (TCAD) Board of Directors.

A recent legislative change has dangerously paved the way for those with regressive anti-tax views to influence our central appraisal district. We must elect responsible, qualified members to prevent this. Under the new law, just two elected TCAD members can block any nomination to the Appraisal Review Board, which resolves property value disputes. Imagine giving a veto to known anti-government zealots.

We cannot allow our tax system to become a tool for chaos and inequity. It is imperative that we rally behind Central Labor Council and AFSCME Local 1624 endorsed candidates: Jett Hanna, Shenghao "Daniel" Wang, and Dick Lavine. All are long-time Austinites who have demonstrated an unwavering commitment to fair and just tax practices.

Election Day is fast approaching, and early voting starts on April 22 Every vote is a stand for our community's schools, parks, and safety services. These aren't just policies; they're the playgrounds our children laugh in, the libraries where they learn, and the fire stations that keep us safe. Let's protect what matters most to us.

Learn more about the candidates by going to their websites:

Jett Hanna

Shenghao "Daniel" Wang

Dick Lavine