At the AFL-CIO we like to celebrate the success of union workers. And so we’re proud to celebrate the success of a small group of scrappy union workers from Kansas City, represented by the NFLPA, who go by the name of the Chiefs. The Chiefs demonstrated that the union mentality of teamwork, quality craftsmanship, and determination to get the job done can lead to great things; as they recently won the highest honor in their field, the Superb Owl. Congratulations!
Union members Patrick Mahomes (NFLPA), a member of his union’s leadership team (Chiefs team representative lead alternate), and Mecole Hardman Jr. celebrate the end of another successful work project. (photo taken from CNN.com).
The Missouri AFL-CIO is heartbroken that what was meant to be a day of celebration for our State turned into a tragedy that ended a life, changed many lives forever, and traumatized many thousands more. We’re grateful to the first responders, and citizens of Kansas City, who stepped up to save lives. Mass shootings are a policy failure and something we can never accept as normal. We pray for the victims, their families, and all the people of Kansas City.
Labor Buzz: What You Need to Know
Nationally
Michigan Repeals Right-To-Work
After Michigan Democrats won a Trifecta (control of the House, Senate and Governor) in the 2022 election their top priority was repealing right to work. This week the repeal went into effect, making Michigan the first state to repeal its RTW law in 58 years! (Missouri blocked ours from ever going into effect, so it doesn’t count as a repeal). In addition to repealing RTW Democratic Governor Grethcen Whitmer signed a bill reinstating the State’s prevailing wage law.
Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer (D) has been showing what a pro-labor majority can accomplish!
Pro-Union Candidate Wins Special Election
Labor-friendly candidate Tom Suozzi won the special election in New Yorks’s 27th Congressinal district. The special election was held to replace disgraced Republican George Santos, and the Democratic pickup cuts the House Republican majority to only 219-213.
The New York Central Labor Council campaigned hard for Tom Suozzi and was rewarded with a win!
Labor 2023 Report
Cornell University’s School of Industrial and Labor Relations but together a pretty neat comprehensive study of labor actions across the country in 2023. The interactive report can be found here.
Missouri
Legislative Dysfunction
A Chiefs Super Bowl win meant a short week in the Missouri legislature. The Senate remains stuck in gridlock, with Senate Democrats heroically standing up and filibustering the so-called IP reform, which seeks to strip Missourians of one person one vote. At the moment no other business is getting done.
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The New York Central Labor Council campaigned hard for Tom Suozzi and was rewarded with a win!
