Labor unions, despite what some of our loudest critics might say, are generally bipartisan as a rule. We can’t afford to put all our eggs in one political basket, and both Democrats and Republicans have the capacity to be friends of working people if they choose.
“Bipartisan” doesn’t mean ‘equally supportive of both sides’ though, and while I am happy to say we have a handful of friendly Republican politicians in Missouri, it is that same Republican party that has repeatedly shown nothing but contempt for the will of their own voters.”
PROPOSITION A
Last November, Missouri voters approved Proposition A, a sweeping change to our minimum wage law that also provided for earned paid sick time for all Missouri workers, both union and non-union. This was unquestionably a victory for working people. Paid time off, particularly for illness, is a crucial benefit enjoyed by many workers around the world, often far beyond what Americans typically get.
In the past few months, politicians in Missouri and specifically Republican Party politicians actively sought to gut this law despite its approval by Missouri voters.
Last week, they finally did it, throwing a bomb into Senate proceedings through a rarely used procedural maneuver called the “previous question,” cutting off debate and forcing the issue to a vote. In the end, Missouri workers lost – despite what 58 percent of voters said they wanted.
It should be worth noting that Prop A was popular in both rural and urban communities and passed with clear bipartisan support. The voters spoke clearly on this issue.
One of the final priorities of the Missouri Senate Republicans this session was to overturn the will of the voters and take away a benefit they clearly supported.
