The Labor-Management Council of Greater Kansas City

The LMC remembers those who died Sept. 11, 2001 and those who suffered illness and death from the cleanup after the attack. We particularly remember Julie Geis, who won the women's longest drive at the LMC's first golf tournament just four years before.

Tomorrow the Construction Industry Committee meets at 8 a.m., Mark One Electric Co., Inc. We look forward to hearing about the planned City of Independence bond issue for next spring.

Also tomorrow is the LMC's 5th Sporting Clay Shoot at Saddle & Sirloin. Registration and lunch beign at 11 a.m.

The LMC wishes all a great Labor Day Weekend as we celebrate workers and their efforts to design, make, distribute, sell and service the products and services we depend upon and enjoy. We appreciate the sacrifices made by workers past and present to improve working conditions and the efforts made by managers to engage in collective bargaining for mutual gains.

The LMC Construction Industry Committee next meets on Thursday, Sept. 12, 8 a.m., at Mark One Electric Co. The City of Independence will present on its planned bond issue. The meeting will end in plenty of time to get to the LMC Sporting Clay Shoot later that day.

The LMC mourns the passing of Kansas State Rep. Marvin Robinson. Rep. Robinson's leadership in the community will be missed.

The LMC congratulates Mike Newbold on his retirement from Arnold Newbold Sollars Hollins. He has represented unions and benefit funds for more than 40 years and has been a great supporter of the LMC and its mission. A photo from his retirement reception can be found at left under Newbold Retirement.

In addition to the stories below, check photos from recent events including 2024 MALMC, 2024 Golf Tournament and 2024 LEPCI.

Upcoming LMC events include the Sporting Clay Shoot Sept. 12, Mid-Level Leadership Program first session Sept. 25 and the LMC/BOMA-KC Public Officials Reception Oct. 10. Please contact [email protected] for more details on how you can participate in any of these events.

The 38th Mid-America Labor/Management Conference gathered more than 130 labor, management and government leaders from Missouri, Kansas and other states to enhance their skills and build stronger relationships July 7-10, 2024 at Camden on the Lake. Photos can be found in the photo album MALMC 2024 at left.

Launching the conference’s content, Leroy Skinner of the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service explained the many ways the agency can help labor and management. FMCS has been a strong supporter of the conference since its founding.

Keynote speaker Rob Marriott highlighted the ways labor and management can work better together especially in workforce development. A retired executive from US Engineering and former Sheet Metal Workers member, Marriott pointed out that when contractors and unions invest in workers, the payoff is significant for everyone. He praised the increased emphasis on safety in the unionized construction industry in recent years as well as a new appreciation for the importance of mental health.

MALMC recognized Jay Lind, Sheet Metal Workers Local 2, for his years of outstanding service to the conference. Key support from Jay and Local 2 was critical to the conference’s survival when the state of Missouri was no longer able to provide logistical support. Jay retired in July from Local 2 and from the MALMC planning committee.

The conference also hosted a unique, first-time event: a joint presentation from Chamber of Commerce leaders from the St. Louis, Kansas City and Springfield regions. Each of the Chamber presidents highlighted key economic projects and challenges:

•Jason Hall from Greater St. Louis, Inc., noted the increased success in competing for and attracting significant economic development since several groups merged into one and developed a unified agenda. The Boeing plant expansion, planned rebuild of Lambert airport and a 27% decrease in crime are among the accomplishments. Challenges include increased vacancies in Downtown and the need for further improvements in public safety.

•Joe Reardon from the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce noted a sports theme: the construction of the new stadium for women’s soccer, the likelihood of new and/or renovated football and baseball stadiums and the 2026 World Cup among other projects such as a multibillion dollar battery plant are driving growth, while challenges include crime and a resolution to the football and baseball stadiums after voters rejected a sales tax extension.

•Matt Morrow from the Springfield Chamber of Commerce noted the area’s diverse economy and longtime manufacturing, education and tourism bases now with an added health care focus. Like the others he cited workforce development as critical to continued growth and added that economic development in any of the three markets means good things for all as well as the states of Missouri, Kansas and Illinois.

A vital element of workforce development is the increasing diversity of available workers. Bias and Inclusion: Understanding Actions and Behaviors featured an explanation of how natural bias can impact our decisions if we aren’t aware of our own biases and concrete steps that can be taken by individuals and organizations. Stephanie Haynes and Madeline Colas of FMCS provided the guide to addressing bias while Jim Hadel, International President of the United Union of Roofers, Waterproofers and Allied Workers and Jose Gomez, business manager of Laborers Local 110 outlined specific programs they are implementing to better attract and retain more women and workers of color. Apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship are also great tools as another session led by Megan Price, Missouri Works and Donna Brake, State of Missouri Department of Higher Education Apprenticeship and Work-Based Learning, demonstrated with programs and support resources available for companies and unions.

A healthy workforce is essential and ways to keep workers and there families healthy were provided by Dr. Ayo Ajaiyeoba, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City; Dr. Ravi Johar, United Healthcare; Dr. Marco Vitiello, Cigna and Rick Dade, Solidaritus/America’s Agenda. Kim L’Heureux, IBEW Local 58 president, passionately addressed the opioid crisis and its impact at work. She provided ways to spot opioid abuse and cans of NARCAN to each participant for access in their workplace.

Jake Miller of Grissom Miller and Chris Johnson of Evergy detailed the most significant changes from the National Labor Relations Board and recent Supreme Court and other court decisions. Barry Grissom of Grissom Miller detailed changes in the new Kansas Workers Compensation law developed and passed with bi-partisan, labor and management support.

Economic and legal changes also impact how money is invested especially for retirement and how they are managed within Taft-Hartley funds. Brad Stephens, Stephens-Heffner Financial Partners and Mark Rogers, Scarborough Alliance, emphasized diversity and education in making decisions on retirement investments. Bill Miller, Novak Birks and Bank of Labor, and Stephanie Jones, Anders CPA+ Advisors, focused on fiduciary responsibility and accountability for Taft-Hartley trustees.

Accountability and precautions are also necessary dealing with members’ data, emphasized Tim New, Onsite Logic, and Marsha Woodward, Haynes Benefits. Each provided specific steps to take to protect organizations’ data and ensure compliance with legal and ethical requirements.

The session on Missouri’s prevailing wage law drew a full house. Perspectives from Patrick Watkins, Missouri Division of Labor Standards; Hon. Manny Abarca, Fair Contracting Alliance-Kansas City; Elmer Rhodes, Headcount in St. Louis and Janson Thomas, St. Louis County Division of Procurement, gave participants’ insight on application and enforcement of prevailing wage. Prevailing wage was also a topic at the Missouri Building and Construction Trades Council session as the meeting featured presentations from current and prospective members of the Missouri Senate including the Hon Doug Beck, also state Building Trades president; Stephen Webber, Missouri AFL-CIO; Joe Pereless and State Rep. Robert Sauls.

Missouri utilities impact every organization and household and are changing their mix of power sources and rate structures. Zach Monroe of Ameren explained the impact of legislative changes to rate structures and how they enabled the utility to accelerate construction projects needed to address aging facilities, increased need for transmission and more renewable sources. Kara Larson of Evergy discussed the significant increases in demand after years of stable usage the utility is now facing, thanks to growing new and planned data center and manufacturing facilities.

Transportation and broadband access are also key economic drivers. Missouri is beginning the expansion of lanes on I-70 with a process outlined by Eric Kopensky, Missouri Department of Transportation assistant district engineer. Projects are already starting with more stretches close to bid awards for the $2.6 billion project. Missouri is also investing in greatly expanded broadband access for areas with limited access or economic challenges, as reported by BJ Tankersly, Missouri Department of Economic Development broadband director. Kansas is continuing its heavy transportation investments based on extensive feedback from citizens though is concerned about future decreases in gas tax revenues, noted Tony Menke, Kansas Department of Transportation bureau chief of construction and materials.

Arbitration is a key tool in labor-management contracts and discussion on how to improve the process and results was led by Jake Miller , Grissom and Miller, and Amanda Vogelsberg, Henson Hutton Mudrick Gragson & Vogelsberg.

Participants also enjoyed an opening reception, golf tournament and a music-filled banquet.

The conference’s success can be attributed to its sponsors and the planning committee. Sponsors included Ameren, Evergy, Awards & T-Shirts, Bank of Labor, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas City, Cigna, Federal Mediation and Conciliations Service, Grissom & Miller, Humana, Labor-Management Council of Greater Kansas City, Missouri AFL-CIO, Novak Birks, Onsite Logic, Scarborough Alliance, St. Louis Electrical Connection IBEW & NECA, Stephens-Heffner Financial Partners, SolidaritUS, ULLICO and United Healthcare.

Planning committee members were Bret Bonge, Evergy, and Bob Jacobi, Labor-Management Council of Greater Kansas City, co-chairs; Jake Hummel, Missouri AFL-CIO, vice chair; Dawn Nicklas, Nicklas Lobby, secretary; Tom Johnson, Bank of Labor, treasurer; Pat “Duke” Dujakovich, Greater Kansas City AFL-CIO; Tim Green, IBEW Local 1/St. Louis Electrical Connection; Stephanie Haynes, Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service; Jay Lind, Sheet Metal Workers Local 2; Julie Menghini, Kansas Department of Labor; Jake Miller, Grissom & Miller; Ralph Oropeza, Greater Kansas City Building & Construction Trades Council; Leroy Skinner, Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service; Todd Smith, Missouri Department of Labor and Industrial Relations; and Matt Troesser, Missouri AFL-CIO & SMART. After the conference, the committee added new members Todd Howerton, IBEW Local 124; Kevin King, Roofers International; Dominick Klobe, Onsite Logic; Alise Martiny, Operative Plasterers; & Cement Masons International Association; Bo Moreno, IBEW Local 124; Ben Schilling, IBEW Local 124. Additional members are welcome.

The 2025 conference returns to Camden on the Lake July 6-9.

Great Resources from the “Triad” Conference

I was pleased to represent the LMC at a unique event bringing together labor, management, government and academics from around the world last week. Referred to as the Triad, the conference in New York combined the biannual FMCS labor-management national conference, the annual Labor and Employment Relations Association annual meeting and the International Labor and Employment Relations Association meeting held every three years.  Photos from the conference can be found at left under Triad 2024.

The conference drew more than 1,400 attendees from about 35 states and more than 30 nations from every hemisphere. More than 100 sessions in 26 time slots were offered over four days; I was able to attend 24 sessions as well as extensive networking. OK, I did some NYC site seeing too when sessions weren’t being offered (the Mets-Astros game, great food and Central Park among others). The conference took place at the Hilton Midtown in Manhattan.

We reconnected with Darnice Marsh and Andrew Hasty from US DOL, who are leading the department’s labor-management cooperation program and spoke at the LMC Anniversary Celebration in 2023, as well as Scot Beckinbaugh, past acting FMCS director who has spoken to the Anniversary Celebration in the past and has family in the KC area. I also connected with both FMCS Kansas City-based commissioners, Stephanie Haynes and Jim Albano.

I also discussed the possibility of the LMC forming a chapter of the Labor & Employment Relations Association. There is no chapter in Missouri or Kansas now. It could provide an excellent opportunity to widen our participation and impact.

Below is a list of each session I attended. I can provide more details on any session that you are interested in including my notes and the presentations):

•U.S. Secretary of Labor Julie Su spoke to the conference.
•NLRB General Counsel Jennifer Abruzzo and board members Laurie McFerran and Gwynn Wilcox
•Conflict resolution experts Bill Eddy and Peter Coleman
•AFT President Randi Weingarten and Flight Attendants President Sara Nelson
•An excellent session with the Major League Baseball Deputy Commissioner for Labor Relations Dan Halem who discussed labor-management relationships in MLB and how it has built relationships with the MLBPA. The session also included a tour of the MLB headquarters including the replay room where umpires and technical specialists review every game and make decisions on appealed plays.

Sessions besides plenaries that I attended (100 sessions offered: Anger in Conflict, High Road Bargaining-Alternative Models, Diversity Initiatives in the Building Trades, Worker and Employer Voice—Issues Confronting the Labor Market, Flipping the Script in High Conflict Situations, Today’s Wave of Union Busting and How it Highlights Weaknesses in the NLRA, Union Organizing and Collective Bargaining at the Crossroad: Renewal or Continued Decline?, Sustaining the Revival of the Labor Movement, Generations at Work, Union Power, Satisfaction and Composition, How Do Workers Know a Good Job When They Have One, WageTheft Inequality of Worker Pay, The Efficacy of Minimum Wage Regulations, Power Resource Theory in Contemporary Capitalism, Challenges in the Public Sector.

Construction Committee Learns More About KCPS 2025 Bond Issue

Construction Industry Steering Team Summary of Minutes

 8 a.m., Thursday, Aug. 8, 2024, Mark One Electric Co., Inc.

Attending: Tristin Amezcua-Hogan, Jose Aragon, Nigel Bayless, Greg Davey, Ed Downey, Kent Eagen, Josh Franklin, Steve Gercone,  Chris Heegn, Shannon Jaax, Ralph Oropeza, Tina Shonk-Little, Whitney Morgan, Brandon Schaaf, Jacobe Sizemore, Chris Stanton, Stacey Zerr, Bob Jacobi.

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

•Session #32 of the Construction Summit:  Efforts continue working with the Fair Contracting Alliance.

•Shannon Jaax and Whitney Morgan presented on the Kansas City Public Schools planned April 2025 bond issue.  The district has not had a bond issue in 60 years and as a result many district building are in substandard condition and less than ideal learning environments.  There have been no new buildings since 1996.  The district has identified $1.25 billion in needs, but a realistically is looking at $650 million in improvements over 10 years.  About $100 million will be achieved through certificate of participation bonds that the school board can pass with no tax increase or public vote with work starting next summer, but the remaining projects will need to be funded via a bond issue that requires a tax increase and public vote with 4/7ths yes vote required.  A steering committee (the LMC has been represented) has developed recommendations for a capital improvements plan to be voted on by the board later this month. The plan likely will include renovations, some new construction, some school consolidation and changing the uses of some district buildings to better meet student learning needs.

Next steps include the board approval Aug. 16 (it can be live-streamed or seen later at the website), Bond 101 workshops on Aug. 22 and Sept. 9, and a Say Yes election committee formed in November.  Input from the community including the construction industry is sought at each step.  The district is recruiting Community Ambassadors to help educate about the bonds and invites participants from the industry.

Committee members urged a focus on better preparing students for careers in the trades with improved math and reading comprehension abilities.  There has been extensive discussion of a much enhanced Carter & Technical Education component in the bond issue plans, and all of the improvements are geared to improve student learning.  Committee members noted that a procurement process that ensures quality construction and compliance with prevailing wage and other regulations is crucial.  The district plans an oversight committee for the projects that could include labor representation, and invited further discussions on ways to achieve high quality and compliance.  McCownGordon and JE Dunn will be involved with construction being a CM at risk structure.  More details can be found at the district’s website for the bond issue, kcpublicschools.org/bond and questions/suggestions can be directed to [email protected] and [email protected] and [email protected].

•Tuesday’s election results were mostly positive for the industry and labor though the passage of Missouri Amendment 4 was a disappointment.

•The Missouri legislature next meets in veto session Sept. 11.  The only issue that may be of impact would be if a concurrent special session is called to address Chiefs and Royals stadiums.

•The Unions United Kickball Tournament will be Oct. 5.  Teams of 10 players are welcome.

•Fishing for Freedom seeks more fishermen and boats to accommodate the military veterans signed up as well as volunteers to help  The event is Oct. 11-13 at Truman Lake.   Details can be found at www.fishingforfreedom.us.

•Those who attended the Mid-America Labor/Management Conference praised the quality of the conference.  Next year more time and possibly space will be allocated for the prevailing wage session.  Suggestions are welcome for speakers and topics.  Hotel reservations are already available; the code for the conference rate will be sent out soon. 

•The LMC has its Sporting Clay Shoot Sept. 12, Mid-Level Leadership beginning Sept. 25 and Public Officials Reception with BOMA-KC Oct. 10.

•Upcoming events:

*KC Labor Car & Motorcycle Show, Aug. 10, 8 a.m. Azura Amphitheater

*CREW KC Golf Tournament, Aug. 19, Canyon Farms Golf Club

*DBIA-MAR Next-Gen + Two-Light Tour & Summer Poolside Party, Aug. 28, 4-6 pm.

*Laborers Sporting Clay Shoot, Sept. 7, Powder Creek

*LMC Sporting Clay Shoot Saddle & Sirloin, Sept. 12

*Working Families Friend Fall Cook-Off, Sept. 21

*Mid-Level Leadership Program First Session, Sept. 25, Rockhurst University

*Missouri & Kansas Laborers Western Charity Golf Tournament, Sept. 27, Drumm Farm

*Unions United Kickball Tournament, Oct. 5, 8 a.m., City Park KCK

*LMC/BOMA-KC Public Officials Reception, Oct. 10, 5:30-7 p.m., Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts

*Fishing for Freedom, Oct. 11-13, Truman Lake

*Election Day Nov. 5

*NICE Annual Luncheon, Nov. 12, Bartle Hall

*Builders’ Holiday Party Dec. 12

*NICE iBuild Showcase April 8, 2025

*Mid-America Labor/Management Conference July 6-9, 2025, Camden on the Lake

•Next Meeting: 8 a.m., Thursday, Sept. 12  at Mark One Electric Co. The City of Independence will present on its upcoming bond issue.

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 Construction Industry Committee will meet Thursday, Aug. 8, 8 a.m. at Mark One Electric Co., Inc. The agenda will include a presentation and discussion with Kansas City Public Schools on its planned bond issue.