The Labor-Management Council of Greater Kansas City

The LMC thanks members of the Missouri legislature for successfully addressing several LMC priorities in its session concluded May 12. Significant infrastructure funding, including a $2.8 billion I-70 expansion; $300 million for a new mental health facility on Hospital Hill and $50 million for the World Cup in KC and $265 million for broadband expansion are among many projects funded. Legislation to support apprenticeship training is another plus. We appreciate that the legislature did not make problematic changes to the unemployment compensation system, consider "right-to-work" or inhibit employers' ability to keep workers safe from communicable disease. The discriminatory legislation affecting transgendered persons was a disappointment that could affect Missouri's ability to retain and attract needed workforce.

In Kansas we thank the legislature for continued funding of the transportation plan, support for apprenticeships, broadband and housing funding. We continue to urge Medicaid expansion and a local option for prevailing wage.

The LMC appreciates the hard work and tough choices our elected officials need to make and hope they take a well-earned rest!

Construction Committee Hears from French, Patterson Hazley

Construction Industry Steering Team Summary of Minutes

 8 a.m., Thursday, May 11, 2023, Mark One Electric Co., Inc.

Attending: Sam Alpert, Edgar Cooper, Greg Davey, Shawn Delgado, Joey Flickner, Lindsay French, Steve Gercone, Dustin Himes, Matt Johnson, Valerie Johnson, Dominic Klobe, Bo Moreno, Melissa Patterson Hazley, Josh Schmidt, Chris Stanton, Brian Wood, Bob Jacobi.

•Thanks to Rosana Privitera-Biondo and Mark One Electric Co., Inc. for hosting.

•Session #20 of the Construction Summit:  Efforts continue working with the Fair Contracting Alliance.

•Presentation from Lindsay French, candidate for KCMO City Council, 2nd District At-Large.   Lindsay noted the impact her father’s union membership made on her life.  She is a lifelong Northland resident and has worked in public involvement for a landscape company.  She focused on four themes—basic services, crime prevention, economic development and housing.  Long-term strategic plans are needed to address the root caus of crime as well as more resources for police.  Wrap-around services and the opportunity for good jobs that pay prevailing and living wages are needed.  Lindsay noted that schools are a source for preparing the future workforce and making sure students are aware of the opportunities for good jobs such as construction.

•Presentation from Melissa Patterson Hazley, candidate for KCMO City Council 3rd District At-Large.  Melissa is an optimist.  She has worked on recent successful campaigns to renew the KCMO earnings tax, water ands sewer bonds, health levy renewal and others.  Melissa is a UMKC faculty member and appreciates that many of the protections and benefits she enjoys are because of unions even though there isn’t one for her current role.  Her uncle, Roy Nixon, is a business agent for Teamsters Local 541.  She notes there is an information gap about opportunities in the trades and wants to link workers particularly in the urban core with apprenticeship programs so they can access good pay and pension benefits.  She serves on economic development boards and that is a strong interest of hers.

•The Missouri legislature is in its final week (adjournment Friday at 6 p.m.).  Funding for many key area projects—$2.8 billion for I-70 expansion, $300 million for a new mental health building on hospital hill, $50 million for changes to Arrowhead Stadium for the World Cup among others will generate many construction opportunities.  SB 21, unemployment compensation changes, appears unlikely to be debated again.  HJR 43, raising the threshold for constitutional amendment votes to 57%, has passed the House and may pass the Senate depending upon Senate filibusters.  Anti-transgender legislation passed that may drive away and keep away some workers.  HB 316, to improve the historic tax credit, is on the Senate calendar but may not have time to pass with filibusters frequent in the Senate now.

•Kansas passed HB 2350, which makes human trafficking a crime but also includes provisions that could cause problems for immigrant workers.  Kansas also passed some anti-trans legislation.  The governor vetoed the tax-cut bill.  Transportation remains fully funded.

•The Kansas Corporation Commission is open for comment on possible incentives for energy efficiency upgrades.  Evergy requests letters of support for the incentives be sent to the KCC.  The incentives would help buildings to improve energy efficiency and create work.

•The Kansas City Area Transportation Authority has projects available for prevailing wage worker interviews.  The LMC seeks volunteer monitors which could be retirees, business agents and contractor employees who can be available to conduct interviews with workers for prevailing wage enforcement.  Interviewer contact information can be sent to Bob Jacobi; minimal training will be done before interviewers are sent out.  The smaller projects now underway could help prepare for similar efforts on a large KCATA project later this year.

•Brian Wood from OSHA discussed the Safety Stand Down for Trench Safety the week of June 19.  Brian also discussed the increasing number of workplace fatalities in the KC region, including trench cases.  Many trench cases take place in December.  Contact Brian for more information.  

•NICE had a successful iBuild Showcase April 28 at Bartle Hall with 49 exhibitors and more than 3,000 students, most from high schools.  Sam and Greg reported increased engagement from students versus past years, in part due to stronger interest and in part due to more activity-oriented booths.

•Forums for KCMO City Council candidates will be held June 5, 5:30 p.m. at the Plaza Library hosted by development organizations including the LMC and May 13 at IBEW Local 124, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. focused on labor issues.  Attendance is encouraged at both events.

•The Mid-America Labor/Management Conference July 9-12 will feature two international union presidents from Kansas City (both former LMC Co-Chairs):  Jim Hadel, Roofers, and Kevin Sexton, Operative Plasterers’ & Cement Masons, as well as Joe Reardon, GKC Chamber of Commerce president and his counterpart in St. Louis.  Those planning to attend are encouraged to secure hotel rooms at Camden on the Lake soon as the hotel will fill up.  The conference registration site is https://cvent.me/ndN4Ng.

•Upcoming events:

*DBIA Golf tournament, May 12, Shoal Creek

*Missouri legislative session ends May 12

*Labor Beacon City Council Forum, May 13, 11 a.m., IBEW Local 124

*Alliance for Retired Americans Gerald Randall luncheon, May 19, 11 a.m.-1 p.m., Argosy

*Missouri Apprentice Ready Graduation, May 19, noon-1 p.m., IBEW Local 124

*City Council Candidate Forum sponsored by development community June 5, 5:30 p.m., Plaza Library

*Working Families Friend Golf Tournament, Ironhorse Golf Club, June 9

*KCMO City General Election June 20

*BOMA International Convention June 23, 2023

*Mid-America Labor/Management Conference, July 9-12, 2023, Camden on the Lake

*LMC Craig Whitaker Memorial Golf Tournament, July 25, Eagles Landing Golf Club

*Kansas City Labor Car & Bike Store, Aug. 19, 9 a.m., Azura Amphitheater 

*LMC Sporting Clay Shoot Sept. 21, Saddle & Sirloin

*LMC Public Officials Reception Oct. 12, Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts

*NICE Annual Luncheon Oct. 17, 2023, Bartle Hall

•The KCMO election is June 20.   Not many voters may be aware so getting out the word is crucial.  There will be debates leading up to the election—Saturday, May 13, a labor-focused forum at IBEW Local 124 11 a.m., and June 5, 5:30 p.m. at the Plaza Library where development and housing will be emphasized.  The LMC is a sponsor of the June 5 forum.

•Next Meeting: 8 a.m., Thursday, June 8, 2023, Mark One Electric Co., Inc.

•M/S/C to adjourn at 9:15  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 Les Williams, Sr., retired business manager of Laborers Local 264. Les was a longtime labor leader and involved in the LMC and the community.

Former LMC Board member Jeff Hayes' family suggests donations to Working Families Friend, https://wffriend.org/donate/ . Jeff's services are Thursday, 9 a.m. visitation at Holy Family Church, 919 NE 96th Street, KCMO 64155. Jeff was a strong LMC supporter and admired throughout the labor and broader communities.

Services for former LMC Board member Jeff Hayes will be Thursday, May 4, with visitation at Holy Family Catholic Church, 9-11:00 am, 919 NE 96th St, Kansas City, MO 64155. Jeff will be greatly missed.

The LMC is sad to report the passing of former board member Jeff Hayes. Jeff, an organizer for CWA and past president of CWA Local 6360, was a strong supporter of the LMC's mission and a passionate leader for labor. We will share more details and services information as soon as they are set.

Registration is now open for the Mid-America Labor/Management Conference!

The conference at Camden on the Lake will be July 9-12. Speakers will include International Union presidents with Kansas City ties—Jim Hadel with the Roofers and Kevin Sexton with Plasterers’ & Cement Masons, Chamber presidents from St. Louis and Kansas City, sessions on the impact of legal marijuana, labor law, renewable energy, funding opportunities from recently-passed federal programs, transportation updates, arbitration and more.

The registration link is https://cvent.me/ndN4Ng . The full conference website will be available soon with agenda, sponsors and more details.

A sponsorship option including two registrations is available through the registration site. For questions on sponsorship, please contact [email protected]

Hotel reservations at Camden on the Lake are available at 573-365-5620 or [https://camdenonthelake.com;/]https://camdenonthelake.com; use the code LABR0723 to get the conference rate of $166 per night plus taxes and fees.

LMC Co-Chair Bret Bonge, Evergy, and LMC Executive Director Bob Jacobi are conference co-chairs.

More photos and the printed program (in two-page files) have been added to the Photo Album for the 44th Anniversary Celebration and 23rd Awards Dinner. Photo albums are at left.

The National Institute for Construction Excellence hosts its annual iBuild Showcase, demonstrating construction industry career opportunities to high school and middle school students. More than 2,000 students will be at Bartle Hall April 28 from 7 a.m.-1 p.m., where entries in the middle school design contest will also be judged and recognized. Check the NICE website, www.nice-kc.org , for details and to volunteer.

Construction Committee Discusses Legislation, Upcoming Events

Construction Industry Steering Team Summary of Minutes

 8 a.m., Thursday, April 13, 2023, Mark One Electric Co., Inc.

Attending: Rudy Chavez, Edgar Cooper, Greg Davey, Brian Deitz, Shawn Delgado, Joey Flickner, Chris Heegn, Dustin Himes, Dominic Klobe, Greg Lever, Chuck Martin, Alise Martiny, Damon Miles, Bo. Moreno, Ralph Oropeza, Chris Stanton, Brian Wood, Bob Jacobi.

•Thanks to Rosana Privitera-Biondo and Mark One Electric Co., Inc. for hosting.

•Session #19 of the Construction Summit:  Efforts continue and will accelerate after the results of the April elections, particularly working with the Fair Contracting Alliance.

•The Kansas City Area Transportation Authority has projects available for prevailing wage worker interviews.  The LMC seeks volunteer monitors which could be retirees, business agents and contractor employees who can be available to conduct interviews with workers for prevailing wage enforcement.  Interviewer contact information can be sent to Bob Jacobi; minimal training will be done before interviewers are sent out.  The smaller projects now underway could help prepare for similar efforts on a large KCATA project later this year.

•Brian Wood from OSHA discussed the Safety Stand Down for fall protection May 1-5.  Contact Brian or osha.gov/PreventFalls for more information.  

•Missouri SB 21, to change unemployment benefits, has been filibustered in the Senate with compromise talks underway.  HJR 43, to make it more difficult for initiative petitions amending the constitution to pass, is also being filibustered in the Senate.   Funds for I-70 expansion and other projects were included in the House’s capital budget bill.  In Kansas, the Governor has requested support for SB 325.

•NICE will hold its iBuild Showcase April 28 at Bartle Hall with 49 exhibitors and more than 2,000 students expected, most from high schools.  A reception will be held at Bartle, exhibit Hall A & B,  on April 27 from 5:30-7:30 p.m., all are invited but please RSVP.  The final Seniors Day of the academic year will be held at the Laborers Training Center in Belton.  The Educator Externship is set for July 10-17.

•Election results from April were mostly positive.  Several very close races showed the impact of every vote—one in Raytown was tied (update—Greg Walters was declared the winner by 1 vote after recount) and write-in campaigns were held for Kansas City Public Schools board seats (Monica Curls was elected) so the impact of voters from the construction industry is particularly significant.  KCMO will hold its general election June 20, as well as a special election for a vacant KCPS board seat.

•A Labor Forum for KCMO Council candidates is tentatively scheduled for May 13 at IBEW Local 124, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.  Mayor Quinton Lucas will speak.

•The LMC’s 44th Anniversary Celebration is tonight.  The US Department of Labor will present on its Labor-Management Cooperation program.  Gabe Jones, Alise Martiny and Don Greenwell will be recognized for their service as LMC officers.

•There will be a celebration of life for JD Foster, former longtime business manager of Sheet Metal Workers Local 2 and the LMC’s second labor co-chair, Saturday April 15, 2 p.m. at Local 2.

•The Mid-America Labor/Management Conference July 9-12 will feature two international union presidents from Kansas City (both former LMC Co-Chairs):  Jim Hadel, Roofers, and Kevin Sexton, Operative Plasterers’ & Cement Masons, as well as Joe Reardon, GKC Chamber of Commerce president and his counterpart in St. Louis.

•Upcoming events:

*LMC Anniversary Celebration and Awards Dinner, April 13, Argosy Casino

*JD Foster Celebration of Life, April 15, 2 p.m., Sheet Metal Local 2

*Working Families Friend Texas Hold’em Tournament April 21 at Pipefitters Local 533

*CREW KC luncheon, April 25, The Growing Potential of Wyandotte County

*iBuild Reception, April 27, 2023, Bartle Hall

*iBuild Showcase, April 28, 2023, Bartle Hall

*Workers Memorial Day, April 28, 11 a.m., Builders’ Training Center

*IBEW Local 53 Riding Group benefiting Working Families Friend, May 6, 9:30 a.m. registration

*KC Golf FORE Scholarships-Builders’ Association Tournament May 8, 9 a.m., Ironhorse

*DBIA Golf tournament, May 12, Shoal Creek

*Missouri legislative session ends May 12

*Labor Forum for KCMO Council candidates, May 13, 11 a.m.-1 p.m., IBEW Local 124

*Working Families Friend Golf Tournament, Ironhorse, June 9

*KCMO City General Election June 20

*BOMA International Convention June 23, 2023

*Mid-America Labor/Management Conference, July 9-12, 2023, Camden on the Lake

*LMC Craig Whitaker Memorial Golf Tournament, July 25, Eagles Landing Golf Club

*LMC Sporting Clay Shoot Sept. 21, Saddle & Sirloin

*LMC Public Officials Reception Oct. 12, Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts

*NICE Annual Luncheon Oct. 17, 2023, Bartle Hall

•Next Meeting: 8 a.m., Thursday, May 11, 2023, Mark One Electric Co., Inc.

•M/S/C to adjourn at 9  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.

LMC Honors Patten, Davey; Learns about USDOL Labor-Management Partnership Program

The Labor-Management Council of Greater Kansas City (LMC) celebrated its 44th Anniversary by learning more about the U.S. Department of Labor’s Labor-Management Partnership Program, honoring several leaders and electing new officers April 13.

Photos from the event can be found in the album 44th Anniversary Celebration at the left.

Nearly 200 leaders from labor, management and the community gathered at Argosy Casino for the event, also the LMC’s 23rd Awards Dinner. The event focused on the LMC’s mission to enhance collaboration by solidifying trust and communication between labor and management in the community and the benefits of that mission for organizations and workers.

Two leaders of the U.S. DOL’s Labor-Management Partnership Project praised the LMC and described the project as the event’s keynote address. Darnice Marsh, Labor-Management Partnership Coordinator, and Andrew Hasty, Senior Advisor with the U.S. DOL, noted the long success of the LMC as a great example for others. They described the purpose of the project as using the “bully pulpit” of the Department to encourage and provide resources to labor-management cooperation projects throughout the nation. The project is within the Department’s Office of Labor-Management Standards and provides a website, numerous blogs and other resources to help those looking to start or improve a partnership.

Details of the program and resources available can be found at https://dol.gov/general/workcenter/labor-management-partnerships , while stories can be shared at https://dol.gov/workcenter/stories2 . Hasty gathered examples from celebration attendees as well.

The LMC honored Brad Patten, executive director of the Construction Industry Substance Abuse Program (CISAP) with the Leadership in Labor-Management Cooperation Award. Builders’ Association AGC President Don Greenwell noted that CISAP “has set a national benchmark for such programs” for nearly two decades. CISAP is "one of the largest multi-craft, multi employer initiatives in the nation, providing pre-employment, for-cause, post-accident and random drug screening” that has “undoubtedly avoided accidents and injuries and very likely has saved lives on job sites” Greenwell added.

Greg Davey, Builders’ Association vice president for labor relations, earned the Service to the Labor-Management Council award. “Greg has served as a very active board member, provided leadership as Co-Chair and agreed to continue serving as Treasurer” of the LMC, noted LMC Executive Director Bob Jacobi.

Outgoing LMC officers were also recognized. Gabe Jones, Heavy Construction Laborers Local 663, was honored for his service as LMC Co-Chair. “Gabe has been an involved and creative Co-Chair” Jacobi noted.

Aiise Martiny was thanked for her 11 years as LMC Secretary. She leaves the board to become International Vice President for the Operative Plasterers’ & Cement Masons. “The LMC is so important” she said. “Without the LMC, we would not have had the success on projects like the Loews Hotel or KCI.” Jacobi noted that Martiny first became engaged with the LMC as a participant in the Mid-Level Leadership Program. “It was clear she was destined to be a real leader” he said. She served the past 11 years as Business Manager for the Greater Kansas City Building and Construction Trades Council.

Don Greenwell was recognized for his 15 years as LMC Treasurer. His service was a “team effort” he noted, as the Builders’ Association provides accounting services for the LMC. “Tony Drees, Erica Jenkins and Connie Kapfer have done great work” supporting the LMC he pointed out. “Don has been a terrific board leader” Jacobi said. “He has been a great leader for the industry and community as well.”

Succeeding Jones as Co-Chair, Labor is Dan Heizman, president of Fire Fighters Local 42. Ralph Oropeza succeeds Martiny as Secretary just as he succeeded her as Greater Kansas City Building and Construction Trades Council business manager. Greenwell is succeeded by Greg Davey.

The LMC re-elected Mike Kane, AFL-CIO Tri-County Labor Council of Eastern Kansas, to the Executive Committee and Clarence Brown, United Auto Workers Local 31 president and Mike Keeran, Teamsters Local 541 business manager, to the Board. Ed Downey, Capital Electric Construction president, was newly elected to the Board. Bret Bonge, Evergy, continues another year as Co-Chair, Management and Jimmy Walker, Kansas City, Mo. Fire Department continues as Vice Co-Chair, Management.

The LMC recently graduated a class of Mid-Level Leadership Program participants, and graduate Chuck Roseburrough, Pipefitters Local 533, was presented with his graduation certificate. The program has helped more than 400 leaders from labor, management and the community since 1985. Dates for the next program cohort will be announced this summer.

Founding Sponsors for the event included Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas City, the Builders’ Association AGC, Cigna. and IBEW Local 124  Awards Sponsors were Grissom & Miller Law Firm, Heavy Construction Laborers Local 663, JE Dunn Construction Co., Laborers Local 264, Laborers Local 1290, Pipefitters Local 533, Power Partners and Sheet Metal Workers Local 2.  Supporters wer Garry and Sue Kemp.  Emilia Rivera and Mary Jacobi were volunteers.

Jacobi noted that a celebration of life will be held for JD Foster, the 2nd Co-Chair, Labor for the LMC, at Sheet Metal Workers Local 2 at 2 p.m. April 15. Foster was a key leader in the LMC’s early days as business manager for Local 2.

Future events were also announced at the celebration:

•Mid-America Labor/Management Conference, July 9-12 at Camden on the Lake. Speakers will include former LMC Co-Chairs Jim Hadel, Roofers International President, and Kevin Sexton, Operative Plasterers’ and Cement Masons International President. Other speakers include Chamber of Commerce CEOs Joe Reardon from Kansas City and Jason Hall from Greater St. Louis.

•26th Craig Whitaker Memorial LMC Golf Tournament July 26 at Eagles Landing Golf Club

•Sporting Clay Shoot Sept. 21 at Saddle and Sirloin Club

•Public Officials Reception co-hosted with BOMA-KC Oct. 12 at the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts.

The LMC is a nonprofit organization based at Rockhurst University. More details are available from [email protected] and this blog.

The LMC sends prayers for a speedy recovery for Jeff Hayes, former Board member and CWA international staff member. Jeff suffered a stroke and is in KU Medical Center.

Tomorrow will be a busy day for the LMC: Construction Industry Committee meeting at 8 a.m., Mark One Electric Co., Inc. and the 44th Anniversary Celebration and 23rd Awards Dinner at Argosy Casino, 6:30 p.m. reception and 7:30 p.m. dinner and program. Contact [email protected] for questions on either event.