The Labor-Management Council of Greater Kansas City

Jerry Helmick

Addition to the Minutes Construction Industry Committee Meeting April 8, 2021

 

The April 8 meeting of the Construction Industry Committee began with a moment of silence in memory of Jerry Helmick, an active committee member who died last week of cancer.

However, silence was rarely the situation when Jerry was alive, and the meeting generated stories about Jerry as soon as the moment of silence concluded.  

The past 20+ years Jerry served as an investigator for the City of Kansas City, Mo., Human Relations Department specializing in prevailing wage enforcement. Jerry not only knew the intricacies of Missouri prevailing wage law and the city’s enforcement rules, he could explain them clearly and forcefully.  His ability to communicate with workers on the site, contractors and craft unions was unparalleled.  Jerry was also a reliable volunteer for industry causes such as the National Institute for Construction Excellence’s iBuild Showcase, LMC events and anywhere he could be of service.

Jerry’s service to the city was a second career, after his retirement as a business agent with United Food and Commercial Workers Local 576 (now Local 2).  He represented workers in meatpacking plants and grocery stores throughout western Missouri and Kansas, and was well-known there foo for his advocacy and ability to work effectively with management to resolve disputes and improve the workplace.  Jerry also served as secretary-treasurer of the Greater Kansas City AFL-CIO among other leadership posts and could be counted on to help on any picket line or other activity he was asked to.

The Construction Industry Committee was enriched by Jerry’s participation, not only because of his ability to help members better understand prevailing wage and city policies, but because of his unique sense of humor, candid and direct communication, compassion for everyone who needed it and his love of Rice Krispy Treats.

Jerry requested that no memorial services be held.  However, committee members agreed that soon we will gather to share stories and memories of a true friend of labor and of the industry who brought enlightenment, sometimes tough love, humor, unique insights, great stories  and always dedication to his role.  He will be greatly missed.

The LMC mourns the passing of the Rev. Gene Arthur, S.J., retired longtime professor at Rockhurst University. Fr. Arthur specialized in teaching about business ethics, an important aspect of the university's mission.

Construction Summit Moves Towards Action Phase

Construction Industry Steering Team Summary of Minutes

 8 a.m., Thursday, April 8, 2021, Via Zoom

Attending:  Sam Alpert, Rudy Chavez, Andy Collins, Angela Crawford, John Fennesy, Kevin Gard, Chris Heegn, Dustin Himes, Joe Hudson,  Don Hunt, Gabe Jones,  Kevin King, Greg Lever, Kevin O;Neill, Colleen White, Tom Wyrsch, Bob Jacobi.

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

•Session #34 of the Construction Summit:

While more general contractor feedback would be helpful, the group decided to move to the next phase of the process and develop an educational program for public and private sector contracting decision-makers.  A strategic plan will be developed; Angela Crawford provided a list to help start the process.  A need for more involvement in business and community groups, when possible coordinating between contractors and crafts, was identified.  With bond issues passed Tuesday, other projects in the works and federal stimulus and infrastructure money, extensive public construction spending is expected.

•An ordinance coming before the KCMO Council for the Diode data center project that was presented at the CIC last year projects $100 billion in bonding, as  data centers require “refreshing” every three years.

•The need for more extensive trining on diversity and inclusion, particularly what language causes problems, was identified.  The committee will research training programs and engage contractors and crafts in developing a program.

•NICE will hold a virtual iBuild April 22, beginning at 8 a.m. and continuing through Friday at 7 p.m. though will remain on the NICE website.  It can be viewed at www.nice-kc.com and create an account under the on-line learning section.  There will be 25 exhibitors, and many interactive features and hope for several thousand student viewers.  NICE is also doing virtual programs at apprenticeship centers.

•The KCMO earnings tax was renewed April 6; there is a legislative effort to extend the sunset to at least 10 years.  The LMC supported a Yes vote.  School bonds were also approved in Grandview and Platte County, and city of Independence.

•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.

•Upcoming Events:

*Builders; Talk on Construction Careers, April 13, 10:30 a.m., online

*Give Seven Days April 13-25

*iBuild, April 22, 2021, virtual

*Workers Memorial Day at Builders’ Association via Zoom, April 28, 1 p.m.

*DBIA Hybrid Event in I-435 Loop Project, April 29, Zoom/Grand St Cafe, 7:30 a.m.

*OSHA Safety Stand-in May 3-7

*DBIA Golf Tournament, May 14, Shoal Creek

*Missouri legislature adjourns May 14

*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

*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

•Next Meeting: 8 a.m., Thursday, May 13, 2021, via Zoom.  This meeting will be the fifth  session of the Construction Summit as well as regular business.  Please rsvp to bob.jacobi@rockhurst.edu

•M/S/C to Adjourn at 9:45 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.

 

Congratulations to the City of Kansas City, Mo., and its supporters for the overwhelming retention vote for the city earnings tax. More than 77% of voters approved keeping the tax, which the LMC supported. This is the third strong renewal vote since state law began requiring the tax to be renewed by voters every five years.

The LMC also congratulates the candidates for school board and cities who ran in yesterday's election and looks forward to working with those who won. School and local government positions are vital to our community and more participation is always desired.

The Construction Industry Summit and Committee Meeting will be held Thursday, April 8, 8 a.m. via Zoom.

The LMC congratulates Robin Carnahan on her nomination as the next director of the General Services Administration. Robin spoke to one of the LMC's Anniversary Celebration/Awards Dinners while she was Missouri Secretary of State and has long been supportive of our mission. Her understanding of the Kansas City area and of Missouri will hopefully be an asset to our area's needs.

We hope you had a great Easter weekend and are ready for warm days ahead. The weather will be perfect to get out and vote on Tuesday, April 6 in Missouri. Key issues on the ballot include:

•Kansas City Question 1 would renew the earnings tax for five more years. The earnings tax is a critical source of funds for police, fire, trash pickup and many other city services. Those whose income is from Social Security and pensions don’t pay it; half of the revenue comes from those who work but don’t live in the city. The issue is renewing the tax (which can’t be increased under state law), as the city is required to put it to a vote every five years. Failing to renew would require drastic property and sales tax increases as well as bug budget cuts.
The LMC strongly urges a YES vote.

•School board and city councils. These are vital positions for our community. The LMC salutes those willing to run and serve and urges voters to study the candidates and vote. Participation in local government—government that is often closest to our daily lives—enhances our community.

•The LMC also urges Missouri voters to contact their state senators in support of funding the Medicaid expansion state voters approved last year, and urges Kansas voters to contact their legislators in support of Medicaid expansion in that state. The Missouri budget must be completed by May 7.

From Alise Martiny and Duke Dujakovich:

Duke and I are sad to report the passing of Jerry Helmick yesterday after a quick battle with cancer. Jerry Helmick was a retired Business Agent from the U.F.C.W. and was currently working as a wage investigator for the City of Kansas City, Missouri. Jerry was an outstanding labor leader, serving as Secretary/Treasurer of the Kansas City AFL-CIO. He worked tirelessly every day dedicated to the value of organized labor and a true friend to all of us. He will be missed. He has two sons Korry and Kenneth who are members of Pipefitters Local 533. Please keep his wife and his family in your prayers. (Jerry has requested no services to be held.)

As we celebrate this Easter Weekend please enjoy some time with your families. Life is truly too short.

I would add to the great tribute from Alise and Duke that Jerry was a tremendous friend to the LMC in all of his roles as well as to me. Jerry attended our events, was a consistent and vocal resource for the Construction Committee and often promoted the LMC and our mission to those he worked with. No one had more knowledge of prevailing wage and few know more of the history of Kansas City labor and of the meat industry. His often crusty and uninhibited personality was balanced by his kindness, compassion, and dedication. He will be greatly missed by the industry and community as well as his family and many friends.

The Builders’ Association will be hosting a virtual panel about construction career opportunities that will be focused on young people. It will stream live Tues., 4/13 at 10:30-11:30. Hosted by community collaborator and influencer, Kiona Sinks, from the Negro League Baseball Museum, it will include a student in a construction program, Alise Martiny (GKC Building and Construction Trades Council and LMC officer), Bill Alexander, and Steven Crosley (McCownGordon).

My ask is that you share this invitation within your circle of influence, including social media. Reaching teachers, counselors, students, and apprenticeship programs would be particularly helpful. Here is a link for information about the panel…

https://www.buildersassociation.com/Shared_Content/_iCore/Events/Event_Display.aspx?eventkey=KP041321

At the bottom of the page, you can click to add the event to your calendar including the Zoom link Here is a copy of the Zoom link for 4/13, as well: Https://us02web.Zoom.Us/j/86524267597

A recorded edition will be posted to The Builders’ YouTube channel on 4/15, if not soon. Here is a link to our library of content and were the panel will get posted. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFyGp5xWEoTe0NlaUl-3aAw/videos

We are sad to report the passing of Duke McVey, retired president of the MIssouri AFL-CIO. Duke was an outstanding labor leader, serving as federation president for 17 years, and was a strong supporter of the LMC, the Mid-America Labor/Management Conference and of better labor-management relationships. He was a 65-year member of Pipefitters Local 562; his nephew Hugh also served as Missouri AFL-CIO president. Duke was also a great personality with tremendous knowledge of Missouri's economy, politics and people. He will be missed. Services will be Friday, 9:30-11 a.m. at Cathedral of St. Joseph in Jefferson City; contributions can be made to $5 for the Fight, 33301 Hollenberg Drive, Bridgeton, MO 63044; Helias Foundation, 1312 Southwest Blvd Jefferson City, MO 65109; or to the charity of your choice.

The LMC congratulates, but will greatly miss, recent retirees from member the Builders' Association. Robin Norris has been a great LMC volunteer during her years as membership director and Scarlett Barbosa gave us strong support from the Builders' safety department. Tony Drees, the Builders' CFO soon to retire, has been a great help providing the LMC's financial reporting and advice. We welcome their successors and look forward to working with them while being deeply grateful for the help of Tony, Robin and Scarlett for many years.

The LMC's history of enhancing labor and management relationships through building trust and some of the lessons we learned in that process are described in the following Kansas City Star op-ed. Thanks to the Star for publishing it:

https://www.kansascity.com/opinion/readers-opinion/guest-commentary/article250131364.html