The Labor-Management Council of Greater Kansas City

A few congratulations to LMC members and friends:

•The city of Kansas City, Mo., and Fire Fighters Local 42 on a new collective bargaining agreement that includes specific policies to make the department workforce more diverse and welcoming.

•Former Missouri State Sen. Gina Walsh, who received the North America Building Trades Unions Tradeswoman Hero Award.

Construction Summit Continues, Workforce Development Discussed

Construction Industry Steering Team Summary of Minutes

 8 a.m., Thursday, June 10, 2021, Via Zoom

Attending:  Sam Alpert, Alan Ayres, Rudy Chavez, Angela Crawford, Greg Davey, Kevin Gard, Dustin Himes,  Don Hunt,  Kevin King,, Greg Lever, Bill Livingston, Bill Tillman, Erica Torres, Scott Van Bebber,,Tom Wyrsch, Bob Jacobi.

•Thanks to Greg Davey and the Builders’ Association for Zoom hosting.

•Session #6 of the Construction Summit:

A draft of a presentation was shared and discussed.  Committee members agreed to submit details to help fill out the presentation; there will be different versions for different audiences. A specific mention of 1099 workers should be included.  A strategy for rolling it out—which would involve groups like MARC, school associations in addition to individual governments, will be proposed.  A more final draft will be presented at the Aug. 12 meeting with the goal of scheduling presentations beginning in the fall, especially for school districts

•The Missouri legislative session was fairly successful with gas tax passage and no negative bills passed for the industry.  Kansas had less positive success but also no significantly negative bills.  Prevailing wage most likely to be reconsidered after the 2022 or 2024 election in Missouri.  In kansas the local option will continue to be pursued.  With the Missouri Supreme Court throwing out the bill vastly increasing regulation of public sector unions, the legislative will likely try again in 2022.

•NICE has been filming Career Exploration Episodes at craft training centers and plans more this summer; with Pipefitters Local 533 next, and like the virtual iBuild April 22 the presentations are on the NICE website, www.nice-kc.com   A live iBuild is expected to be produced next year.  NICE also is recruiting educators for summer externships and requests industry leaders write blogs for the website.  The blogs and other materials are being actively promoted on social media.  More effort with Spanish-language radio station would help recruit int hat community, as well as reaching out more to charter schools and timing into the streetcar construction on Main Street.  Rudy Chavez will be appearing on a panel Sunday for the Korean War Veterans Memorial to discuss careers in the industry.

•The KCI workforce training program is just starting a new class, including two recent high school graduates. (note—there will be a session on the program at the Mid-America Labor/Management Conference)

•The Mid-America Labor/Management Conference will be held as an in-person event with appropriate safety precautions July 11-14 at Camden on the Lake.  The special conference rate for the hotel expires June 12.

•The Builders’ Scholarship Golf Tournament June 28 has just a few foursome spots left.  Sign-up can be done on-line.

•The Builders’ seek presentations on leadership, marketing and workforce development for its Professional Development conference Oct. 8.  The conference provides a great opportunity to share information and expertise.

•Tom Wyrsch reported the death of outstanding community leader Lali Garcia.  RIP.

•Upcoming Events:

*Working Families Friend Golf Tournament, June 11, 7 a.m., Ironhorse Golf Club

*CWA/AT&T Charity Golf Tournament, June 12, Eagle’s Landing

*DBIA Happy Hour, June 23, 4-6 p.m., Superior Bowen

*Builders’ Scholarship Foundation Golf Tournament, June 28, Milburn Country Club

*Rockhurst University Golf Tournament, June 28, Loch Lloyd

*Mid-America Labor/Management Conference, July 11-14, 2021, Camden on the Lake

*CREW KC Luncheon July 20, 11:30 am., Grand Street Cafe

*Craig Whitaker LMC Golf Tournament, July26, Oakwood Country Club

*LMC 41st Anniversary Celebration and 21st Awards Dinner, Aug. 12, 2021, Argosy Casino

*DBIA Regional Conference, Aug. 18, Lenexa Hyatt Place

*Labor Car Show, Aug. 21, Providence Medical Center Amphitheater, Bonner Springs

*GKC Building Trades Take a Kid Fishing Day, Aug. 28

*CREW KC Golf Tournament, Aug. 30, Canyon Farms Golf Course

*GKC Building Trades Golf Tournament, Sept. 2

*John V. Mesh Clay Shoot, Spet. 11, Powder Creek

*LMC Sporting Clay Shoot Sept. 16, Saddle & Sirloin

*Construction Safety Group Scholarship Golf Tournament, Sept. 17, Shoal Creek Golf Club

*LMC Public Officials Reception, Oct. 14, Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts

Note: The Committee will NOT meet in July 

For details on the above events, please contact the sponsoring group or the LMC

•Next Meeting: 8 a.m., Thursday, Aug. 12, 2021, site TBA.  This meeting will be a session of the Construction Summit.  Please rsvp to bob.jacobi@rockhurst.edu

•M/S/C to adjourn at 9:05 a.m.

The mission of the Labor-Management Council of Greater Kansas City is to enhance collaboration by solidifying trust and communication between labor and management in the community.

The LMC is sad to report the death of Heather Dujakovich, sister-in-law of past LMC co0chair and honoree Duke Dujakovich, Greater Kansas City AFL-CIO president. Visitation will be 2-4 p.m. Thursday, June 10, at Fry-Bross & Spiddle Funeral Home in Kearney. The family suggests donations to St. Jude Children's Hospital.

A reminder that the LMC Construction Summit continues tomorrow along with the Construction Industry Committee meeting at 8 a.m. via Zoom

The Missouri AFL-CIO is hiring an apprenticeship coordinator based in Kansas City. Here are the details:

Missouri Apprentice Ready - Project Coordinator KANSAS CITY REGION

The MO Apprentice Ready - Project Coordinator is a professional position dedicated to expanding access to registered apprenticeship opportunities through an introduction to apprenticeship program. This position will be funded by a grant from the Missouri Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development.

The Missouri AFL-CIO is an equal opportunity employer.

Interested candidates should submit an employment application, cover letter and resume to gretabax@moaflcio.org by close of business June 15, 2021. Candidates selected for an interview will be notified.

Essential Job Functions

Coordinate a construction training program for eligible individuals tailored to include traditionally underrepresented groups within the construction industry aligned with the the parameters established by the project scope of work

Work with the project team to construct a development plan, which shall include the following components:

Project timeline

Recruitment strategy and partners

Enrollment of participants

Curriculum development

Outreach to employers, contractors, and registered apprenticeship programs

Conduct outreach to community partners to identify eligible participants

Plan at least two (2) five (5) to six (6) week construction apprenticeship introduction programs with a focus on contractor and employer participation in the planning of each training program

Program components:

Program Agenda

Orientation, OSHA-10 and First Aid and industry overview

Training, rotate to different training centers for participating construction trades with opportunities for hands-on learning

Industry-awareness, throughout the program, the project coordinator should incorporate into the agena the opportunity for students to hear directly from industry experts

Program Support

Mentoring, the project coordinator will work closely with community partners to identify mentors to serve project participants to engage in career planning activities

Wrap-around services, the project coordinator will work to identify and address any barriers to participation (e.g., transportation, child care, food insecurity)

Organize a graduation ceremony

Provide on-going support to program graduates for at least 12 months following completion

Assist with program reporting and compliance activities, as needed

Essential Job Qualifications

Familiarity with registered apprenticeships and construction industry

Ability to prepare and effectively present information to individuals and groups

Ability to travel, regionally, on a daily basis with occasional overnight stays

Quality oral and written communication skills

Competence using Microsoft Word and Excel

Discretion in handling personal information

Comfortable learning new data management systems for program compliance matters

Compensation commensurate with experience. Download the application here. Please email completed employment applications, a cover letter and resume to Greta Bax at gretabax@moaflcio.org or mail to:

Missouri AFL-CIO

Attn: Greta Bax

131 E High St., Ste 100

Jefferson City, Missouri 65101

The LMC Construction Industry Committee next meets June 10, 8 a.m., via Zoom. The committee hopes to resume in-person meetings in August (there will be no July meeting). The June meeting will also include a continuation of the Construction Summit.

The LMC wishes our members and friends a great Memorial Day weekend, and more opportunities to safely enjoy things we missed last year.

Upcoming LMC and related events include:

•Mid-America Labor/Management Conference, July 11-14, Camden on the Lake; registration and information at https://cvent.me/MQdARk .

•Craig Whitaker Memorial LMC Golf Tournament, July 26, Oakwood Country Club

•LMC 41st Anniversary Celebration and 21st Awards Dinner, Aug. 12 at Argosy Casino

•Sporting Clay Shoot Sept. 16, Saddle & Sirloin Club

•Mid-Level Leadership Program begins, Sept. 22, Rockhurst University

•Public Officials Reception, Oct. 14, Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts.

Contact us at bob.jacobi@rockhurst.edu for information.

The closing of the regular Missouri General Assembly session for 2021 included several successes for the LMC's agenda: passage of significantly increased transportation funding; improvements and extensions of key economic development tools; and defeat of attempts to discriminate, enact "right-to-work", make more changes to prevailing wage and to limit private organizations' ability to set COVID safety rules. We are disappointed in the failure to fund Medicaid expansion or protect current Medicaid funding, and hope that future special sessions and court decisions will address those issues. Thanks to the legislators who supported our issues and kept us informed of key developments.

Construction Committee Learns About New Health Regs, Celebrates MO SB 262, Continues Summit

Construction Industry Steering Team Summary of Minutes

 8 a.m., Thursday, May 13, 2021, Via Zoom

Attending:  Sam Alpert, Jennifer Borkowski, John Cistaro, Angela Crawford, Greg Davey, Dawn Godard, Don Greenwell, Dustin Himes, Ramon Holt, Joe Hudson,  Don Hunt, Gabe Jones,  Kevin King,, Alise Martiny, Jen Monahan, Christi Rhoten, Bill Tillman, Tom Wyrsch, Bob Jacobi.

•Thanks to Greg Davey and the Builders’ Association for Zoom hosting.

•Presentation from John Cistaro, Cigna, on health care plan regulatory changes from the Consolidated Appropriations Act.  Provisions include greater accountability for Mental Health Parity, more transparency for hospitals and eventually health plans on all charges and discounts and No Surprise Billing provisions for out-of-network providers operating in in-network settings.  John and Dawn Godard will provide links to more details.

•Session #5 of the Construction Summit:

Presentations will be developed for local government decision makers on responsible contracting benefits.  An opportunity to team with the environmental community to advocate for responsibly built, green projects with federal infrastructure funds will also be pursued.  A draft along with a presentation strategy will be shared at the June Construction Committee Meeting/Summit.  Anyone who wants to help with the presentation can contact Bob.

•Missouri passed a gas tax increase for transportation, awaiting signature from the Governor.  A strong labor-management effort helped pass the bill, sponsored by Senate President Pro Team Dave Schatz.  The bill takes effect in October.

•The Missouri legislative session ends Friday at 6 p.m.  There will be attempts to attach bills that otherwise did not move to bills likely to pass, so a close watch continues to be needed.  Contractor licensing bills appear to be dead for roofing and mechanical.  Medicaid expansion will proceed though eventually the legislature will need to appropriate funds as it has refused to do this session.  Efforts to significantly cut unemployment compensation remain alive.  In Kansas, the session is effectively over and no real chance for a resumption of prevailing wage local option until at least 2023, same for Medicaid expansion.

•NICE held a virtual iBuild April 22, and the presentations remain on the NICE website.  It can be viewed at www.nice-kc.com and create an account under the on-line learning section.  A live iBuild is expected to be produced next year.

•The Mid-America Labor/Management Conference will be held as an in-person event with appropriate safety precautions July 11-14 at Camden on the Lake.  Early conference registrations and hotel reservationsl are encouraged.  There will be many sessions of interest to construction.

•The site for a Workers’ Memorial has been announced at Waterworks Park.  Donations are urged tot he 501c-3 organization and its website is up.  Details will be sent to the committee.

•Upcoming Events:

*DBIA Golf Tournament, May 14, Shoal Creek (teams sold out)

*Missouri legislature adjourns May 14

*USDOL Essential Workers, Essential Protections KC Webinars, May 26 and 27, 1 p.m.

*Working Families Friend Golf Tournament, June 11, 7 a.m., Ironhorse Golf Club

*CWA/AT&T Charity Golf Tournament, June 12, Eagle’s Landing

*Builders’ Scholarship Foundation Golf Tournament, June 28, Milburn Country Club

*Mid-America Labor/Management Conference, July 11-14, 2021, Camden on the Lake

*Craig Whitaker LMC Golf Tournament, July26, Oakwood Country Club

*LMC 41st Anniversary Celebration and 21st Awards Dinner, Aug. 12, 2021, Argosy Casino

*DBIA Regional Conference, Aug. 18, Lenexa Hyatt Place

*Labor Car Show, Aug. 21, Providence Medical Center Amphitheater, Bonner Springs

*GKC Building Trades Take a Kid Fishing Day, Aug. 28

*CREW KC Golf Tournament, Aug. 30, Canyon Farms Golf Course

*GKC Building Trades Golf Tournament, Sept. 2

*John V. Mesh Clay Shoot, Spet. 11, Powder Creek

*LMC Sporting Clay Shoot Sept. 16, Saddle & Sirloin

*LMC Public Officials Reception, Oct. 14, Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts

  For details on the above events, please contact the sponsoring group or the LMC

•The committee expects to return to in-person meetings in August, with Zoom continuing to be an option when weather is a concern.

•Next Meeting: 8 a.m., Thursday, June 10, 2021, via Zoom.  This meeting will be the sixth  session of the Construction Summit.  Please rsvp to bob.jacobi@rockhurst.edu

•M/S/C to adjourn at 8:50 a.m.

The mission of the Labor-Management Council of Greater Kansas City is to enhance collaboration by solidifying trust and communication between labor and management in the community.

Congrats to LMC Board member Jeff Hayes, who is starting a new position as Campaign Lead at Communication Workers of America District 6. Jeff had been President of CWA Local 6360.

The US Department of Labor will host a webinar "Essential Workers-Essential Protections" May 26 and 27, 1-245 p.m. each day, for Kansas City-area employers and others. The webinar will include presentations from Wage & Hour, OSHA, Employee Benefits Security Administration, IRS, SBA and EEOC on provisions of recent stimulus, regulatory and other changes generated by COVID-19. Participation is free bur registration is required via Eventbrite. (Thanks to Colleen White, Strategic Workplace Solutions for alerting us to the event).