Chapter highlights

East Bay Labor Solidarity co-hosted an event with UAW academic workers on the historic significance of the Big 3 autoworkers' strike. Speakers included a striking UAW worker, DSA members from Teamsters for a Democratic Union (TDU) and Labor Notes, as well as a UAW organizer at the non-union Tesla plant in Fremont. Here’s the recording.

Until we abolish capitalism, the chapter needs money for rent, staff and services, so we hosted a holiday potluck fundraiser to encourage members to sign up for income-based dues, "1% for the 99%!”. Comrades ate and were merry, making calls which brought us to 31 income-based dues payers. Start income-based dues here.

Jovanka Beckles continues to be a staunch advocate for a ceasefire and a free Palestine. The electoral committee has shifted its focus to weekly canvases around the Bay Area, as well a few larger canvases between now and March 5th to help cement her position in the top two. We hope to support her class struggle campaign all the way to Sacramento. Come to a monthly meeting or join #electoral on our chapter's new Discord server.

The Chapter, Labor & Electoral co-chairs were invited to a fundraiser for representative Rashida Tlaib. The fundraiser raised over $100k 💰💰💰 to help keep Rashida in the house in the face of AIPAC attacks. Check out her riveting shoutout to East Bay DSA here.

“Interfere with the foreign policy of the country? Sure! That’s our job, that’s our privilege, that’s our right, that’s our duty.”

—Harry Bridges, cofounder and leader of the International Longshore and Warehouse Union, 1974

Labor for Palestine

“Workers of the World, Unite!” followed by cheers from the crowd of nearly 2000 could be heard at the Labor for Palestine rally in front of Oakland City Hall on December 16th.

After years of showing solidarity on picket lines and in contract fights, East Bay DSA was in a great position to help labor unions call for a ceasefire and end to the blockade in Gaza, as well as an end to US aid to Israel. Working alongside these unions and activist organizations like the Arab Resources and Organizing Center (AROC), Palestinian Youth Movement, and Jewish Voice for Peace, we organized a rally connecting the struggles workers face in the imperial core to the genocidal oppression our government is inflicting on Palestinians.

After the rally, we marched through downtown Oakland, chanting for Palestinian liberation, carrying Palestinian flags and signs, including one with the iconic Tupac quote “They got money for war, but can’t feed the poor.” Despite corporate media propaganda and the highly undemocratic nature of US foreign policy, DSA is helping workers realize their fight with the boss is connected to the US war machine. We have the power to resist both.

Come to a Labor Committee Meeting to learn about how to get involved. If you are in a union who has yet to call for a ceasefire or endorse BDS, please email [email protected] for guidance on how to get them on board. 

"Victory must come our way, victory is in sight, so let us keep the pressure on."

—Nelson Mandela to AFSCME union convention, 1990

More from the chapter

Upcoming events

🪧 Labor Solidarity Meeting, Wednesday, December 27th, at 6 PM

🏬 Tenant Organizing Committee Meeting, Thursday, January 4th, at 7 PM

✊🏼 Jovanka Beckles for State Senate Canvass, Saturday, January 27th, at 11 AM

🌹 Winter General Membership Meeting, Sunday, January 28th, at 11 AM

For a complete list check out our events page. New member-friendly events will be marked with a rose 🌹

Minutes

• ✍️ Steering Committee Minutes
• ✍️ General Meeting Minutes

Newsletter info

• The deadline for submissions to the next issue is January 15. Use this form to make a submission.
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