Our Labor Branch wants to hear from you! | Bulletin

Friend — 

The workplace is a key site of struggle in our fight for democratic socialism! Our Labor Branch has put together a short survey mapping our members’ — that's you — workplaces and interest in union organizing. This information will be incredibly helpful to strategically plan future organizing efforts. We can also put you in touch with organizers if you’ve been waiting for an opportunity to learn about fighting for a voice in your workplace!

All responses will be kept confidential, to be used only for internal Philly DSA labor organizing. It should take less than 5 minutes to complete.

Please email [email protected] if you have questions about the content of this survey.

On the calendar
Unless otherwise specified, all events are held via Zoom.

Defund the Police Campaign Meeting, March 11 at 6pm
Join the Defund campaign as we discuss local and national news and ask for volunteers to help carry forward our next action steps. 

Housing Justice Canvass, March 12 at 1pm, Clark Park
Talk to renters in West Philly about rent control and good cause eviction protections.

Abbott Elementary Watch Party with the EJC, March 13 at 3pm
Come chat with Philly DSA members as we watch Abbott Elementary together!

Communications Committee Open Meeting, March 14 at 6pm
Continue our discussion of socialist propaganda and how best to promote chapter work!

Green New Deal Commission Meeting, March 14 at 6:30pm
Hear updates on committee work and learn how to get involved!

Green New Deal for Public Schools Meeting, March 15 at 6:30pm
Join our fight to fund a master plan to reconstruct Philadelphia’s public schools and create a safe and modern school in every neighborhood.

Marxism Reading Group: Antinomies of Antonio Gramsci, March 16 at 7pm
In this session, we'll be examining the work of Italian Marxist philosopher Antonio Gramsci. 

Medicare for All Campaign Brainstorm, March 17 at 7pm
Join us for a conversation about creating a strategic campaign to support M4A!

🌟 UPCOMING PAUL PRESCOD CANVASSES - SUNDAY & BEYOND! 🌟
Both the campaign AND the weather are heating up! We need you out on the doors for Paul. Here are three upcoming canvasses Philly DSA is hosting:

Sunday, March 13 - Meet at Kingsessing Rec Center @ 12pm
Tuesday, March 15 - Phone bank to recruit Paul canvassers @ 5pm
Wednesday, March 16 - Meet in West Philly @ 6:30pm (address TBD!)
Saturday, March 19 - Meet at Folcroft Public Library @ 1pm with Delco DSA

View the full calendar.

Updates from the branches

BuxMont DSA
Political Education: No Shortcuts Reading Group, March 16 at 7pm
Discuss Jane F. McAlevey’s book, in which she investigates the reasons behind the recent failures of unions and lays out a way forward for the progressive movement.

Delco DSA
Reading Group – Alternatives to Policing, tonight at 7:30pm
Read and discuss issues of policing. All are welcome!

View all BuxMont events or all Delco events

This week in unions

• While teachers in St. Paul averted a strike with a tentative agreement, teachers in Minneapolis hit the picket line on Tuesday, and are on strike for higher wages, smaller class sizes, and the future of public education. Read more here.
• Closer to home, teachers are leaving in droves due to poor management and lack of respect, all exacerbated by the pandemic. Philly public school teachers are heroes, and we stand in solidarity with them.
• Major League Baseball players are STILL locked out, although negotiations are ongoing. Opening day is officially postponed. We hope to get to see our beloved Phillies play this season – but only with a fair contract.

To get involved: If you’re interested in supporting workers who want to organize, organizing your workplace, supporting workers and unions taking collective action, or in building relationships with rank and file union members and leaders, email [email protected]. 

On the bulletin

• ➡️ Unionized workers at the Mariposa Co-Op in West Philly are in the midst of bargaining their first contract and are facing stiff opposition from management. The union is asking supporters to send an email TODAY to Mariposa's general manager and Board convener to demonstrate community support for the union's demands at the bargaining table. Please take a minute today to use this template and instructions to send an email in support. ⬅️
• Local housing activist Jennifer Bennetch has sadly passed away after fighting COVID. Please donate to her family.
• As the crisis unfolds in Ukraine, please read the DSA International Committee statement on opposing US intervention.
• The Housing Committee is still collecting survey responses to help identify landlord and property management companies that DSA members have in common. Please fill it out to aid future tenant organizing. 🏡
• Join us on Slack: If you’re a Philly DSA member and you’d like to join our Slack workspace, please fill out this form.
• Harassment and Grievance Process: Read about the process to file a grievance here.

In solidarity,

Philly DSA

http://www.phillydsa.org/

“Where justice is denied, where poverty is enforced, where ignorance prevails, and where any one class is made to feel that society is an organized conspiracy to oppress, rob and degrade them, neither persons nor property will be safe.” – Frederick Douglass