Jefferson City – There’s been a war on workers brewing in the Missouri State Capitol, and last week strong union members of UFCW Locals 655, 2 and 88 shared their opinions, visiting state lawmakers to urge them to support laws that help, not hurt Missouri working families.
Filling the Capitol with gold—UFCW GOLD, that is—was an instant recognition that served as the first move in getting through to Missouri Legislators.
Missouri Rep. Michael Frame (D-Eureka) was just one legislator who was visited by Local 655 members and other UFCW members state-wide.
“We know when UFCW is here,” said Frame. “We can see the gold everywhere.”
Local 655 President David Cook said the legislative attacks on working families are wrong; right–to-work/freedom to work/workplace freedom laws are deceitfully named and wrong; failure to raise minimum wage is wrong and if passed the ugly anti-worker legislation on the table in the Missouri legislature will seriously hurt working families.
“Missouri Legislators should focus on passing laws that help the entire state, rather than dividing it,” said Cook.
Cook said overall, Lobby Day was a big success. Many of the legislators were seen walking the Capitol halls wearing their gold Local 655 scarves given to them by Local 655 members.
Rep. Margo McNeil (D-Florissant) told members on the House Floor that you might be seeing her wearing her scarf on the Floor if right-to-work/freedom to work/workplace freedom unfortunately ever comes up for a vote.
“Divisive bills like right to work are all about politics—not economics,” Cook said. “I was proud to have our members join us in telling our leaders in Jefferson City to work to create jobs and move Missouri’s economy forward.”
Cook said UFCW members were diligent and determined to convince Missouri legislators that a right-to-work law would negatively affect their lives. On average, a right-to-work law imposed in Missouri would lower working families earnings on average by $5000 per year, Cook said.
On Day One Members spent the day training focused on how to approach legislators on the subjects of right-to-work/freedom to work/workplace freedom and other anti-worker laws.
In the evening, they joined the legislators at a meet-and-greet, where they could get updates on proposed bills.
On Day Two, members were up and running in the early hours, meeting with 50 or more elected officials to tell them face-to-face that anti-worker legislation must stop.
“Having our members here at the Capitol to talk with lawmakers face-to-face is definitely a big deal,” said Cook. “It shows our elected officials that we are paying attention to how they vote, and that next Election Day we will be voting for officials who care about working men and women.”
A special thanks to members who took time out of their busy schedules to attend this valuable lobbying effort. More opportunities for members to help protect their livelihoods will take place in the future. For more information check out www.ufcw655.org or www.MiddleClassMO.org.
