The Labor-Management Council of Greater Kansas City

The LMC mourns the passing of Sen. Kit Bond. Sen. Bond, as Missouri governor and later U.S. Senator, took a leading role in securing funds for many key area projects. He was interested inland supportive of the LMC's mission. Sen. Bond was also always kind and open to hear input. He continued his leadership after retiring from the Senate in helping KC-area projects and issues. Sen. Bond will be missed. A memorial service will be held Tuesday, May 20 in the Missouri State Capitol rotunda at noon.. and he will lie in state there for 24 hours after the service. A celebration of his life will be held May 22, 1 p.m. in St. Louis at Ladue Chapel Presbyterian Church.

Construction Committee Hears from Councilman Rogers

Construction Industry Steering Team Summary of Minutes

 8 a.m., Thursday, May 8, 2025, Mark One Electric Co., Inc.

Attending: , Dave Coleman, Joey Flickner, Matt Harris, Dustin Himes, Jenna Johnson, Matt Johnson, Chuck Martin, Kelly McClellen, Mike Myers, Ralph Oropeza, Tina Richard, Daniel Roach, Wes Rogers, Tina Shonk-Little,, Chris Stanton, Stacy Zerr, Nate Zier, Bob Jacobi.

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

•Session #41 of the Construction Summit:  Efforts continue working with the Fair Contracting Alliance.  Efforts are also underway to promote Responsible Bidder Ordinances for local governments and school districts.

•Presentation by Wes Rogers, Kansas City, Mo. City Councilman.  Wes noted that the Council will choose a new city manager today, and it is currently a very close vote.  He expressed hope that the Council would discuss and come up a consensus or close to consensus choice (Update:  The Council chose Marion Vasquez).  He updated the progress on Responsible Bidder ordinance that language is being finalized for introduction soon and hopefully a completed process by the end of June.  Public safety is a key issue now; while the sales tax renewal’s success will help it is longer term.  A detention facility is needed now, so the Councilman intends to introduce and ordinance to build modular pods as a temporary solution.  After the new jail is built the pods could have other uses such as for temporary homeless shelter.  While ideally jails would not be needed a facility is needed to address increased property and violent crime so that perpetrators can be discouraged from committing crimes and get access to mental health and other resources when they do offend.  He noted the increase in homicides north of the river compared to when he was a homicide prosecutor in Clay County.  Mental health is a key driver and facilities are needed to address the issue.  The new state mental health facility now being built will help with 25 beds dedicated to KCMO.  The Council will be looking closely at facilities Miami, FL for ideas on what approaches are successful.  A grant will support the training of 40 police officers in how to make businesses safer so those officers can share the information with businesses; just one officer currently has that training.  The energy code update passed by the city may be pre-empted by state legislation (HB 939, on Senate informal Calendar).  Wes is hopeful that the Royals and Chiefs stay in Missouri, and based on conversations with John Sherman believes that is the Royals first choice to be downtown.  A downtown stadium would be transformational for the downtown economy, but the time is running out for a decision.  Significant developments are underway in the West Bottoms and the riverfront.  The city needs continued development—good projects are good for all.

Committee members noted that the first phase of the Riverfront development is using mostly out-of-town workers, which does not help the local economy.  The KC Port Authority has agreed to improve its processes and hire third-party compliance.  State legislation desired by the port Authority is being held up because of these concerns; recent versions of the bill are improved and exempt Kansas City and St. Louis from provisions intended to help small communities but would have made it easier to circumvent KCMO agencies with higher standards.  Councilman Rogers agreed and is a new appointee to the Port Authority.

•The Missouri legislature needs to pass its budget by the end of the day tomorrow (Update: It passed and goes to the Governor).  The fate of Proposition A and any changes to the minimum wage or paid leave provisions is uncertain—tensions are increasing within the Senate, where a child care tax credit bill was filibustered, and between the two houses.  The paid leave provision, while good for workers, is extremely complex for employers who have contingent employees (such as construction) and employees in bordering states with different or no paid leave provisions.  It also differs from the federal requirement for its contractors. There have been negotiations on amendments ranging from repeal to those better accommodating the construction and similar industries.  However it is in effect now and legislation to make changes may not make it this session.  There is potential for a previous question call in the Senate if this bill or an abortion bill is filibustered, so beyond the budget other legislation getting passed is uncertain.

•NICE is seeking input from training directors and contractors while expanding its teacher outreach and training on the construction industry.  Nate serves on the Governor’s Task For for workforce development and the state is looking to increase apprenticeship and other forms of workplace exposure for students before graduation, creating good opportunities for contractors and trades.

The committee had an extensive discussion on workforce needs.  Most apprenticeship programs are full with waiting lists, but there needs to be continued projects for those workers to have long-term jobs.  Apprenticeship standards especially on publicly-funded work are critical to building careers for workers entering the industry.  Union workers and contractors are the gold standard of quality, productivity and on-time performance, and often costs less than nonunion.  Developers and public officials need to be more aware of these advantages.

More contractors are also needed so the message to educators, parents and young people is that those opportunities exist and apprenticeship programs are an excellent path to construction management as well.  Most crafts conduct training for members interested in becoming contractors.  The Bank of Labor provides sessions on the financial aspects of the business.  Labor history is also a vital subject not taught in schools, so students don’t know the opportunities and rights available to them.  Tina Richard noted this was here experience working nonunion until she learned of IBEW opportunity.

Committee members also urged that more building, especially housing, be built using concrete, metal or block rather than wood for better quality, longevity and environmental impact.

•Heartland Women in Trades has received a grant and has hired Jenna Johnson to staff the grant efforts.  HWIT also encourages attendance at the Missouri Women in Trades Summit May 31 in Columbia and will soon have details available for its fundraising kickball tournament Oct. 4.

•Upcoming Events:

•DBAI Next Gen in KC Roundtable, May 21

*Workers Memorial Day, May 28

*Midwest Women in Trades Summit May 31, Stephens College in Columbia

*DBIA-CCIM Happy Hour, June 4 at SERV

*Trades/Union Career Fair Hosted by Jackson County Legislators Peyton & McGee, Macedonia Baptist Church

*Working Families Friend Golf Tournament June 13, Ironhorse Golf Club, 8 a.m.

*USDOL Davis-Bacon Seminar, June 25-26, online

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

*LMC Craig Whitaker Memorial Golf Tournament July 22, Eagles Landing Golf Club

*LMC Board Meeting, July 24, 1 p.m., McCownGordon Construction

*DBIA Certification Workshop, Sept. 10-12; 1st 10 registrants get $500 scholarhsips

*LMC Sporting Clay Shoot Sept. 11, Saddle & Sirloin

*USDOL Davis-Bacon Seminar, Sept. 24-25, online

*Heartland Women in Trades Kickball Tournament, Oct. 4

*LMC/BOMA KC Public Officials Reception Oct. 16, Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts

*NICE Awards Luncheon, Oct. 23, 11:30 a.m., Kay Barnes Ballroom

•M/S/C to adjourn at 10:15 a.m.

•Next Meeting: 8 a.m., Thursday, June 12, 2025  at Mark One Electric Co.

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 meets Thursday, May 8 at Mark One Electric Co., Inc., with KCMO Councilman Wes Rogers speaking.

The LMC mourns the death of Graham Hoffman, KCMO paramedic and Fire Fighters Local 42 member who was murdered by a patient he was trying to help. Our condolences to his family, co-workers and friends.

The 28th LMC Craig Whitaker Memorial Golf Tournament is set for July 22 at Eagle's Landing Golf Club. The tournament is a great networking opportunity. For details contact [email protected].

The LMC turns the passing of Leonard Zeskind, a researcher and author who greatly contributed to the understanding of racism, anti-semitism and extremism in the US and around the world. Lenny often provided the LMC with information and insight when our members had to address such issues.

LMC Board Reviews Events, Public Issues Work

Summary of Minutes

LMC Board of Directors Meeting

April 17 2025 • 1 p.m. • The Builders a chapter of the AGC 720 Oak KCMO

Attending:  Bret Bonge, Greg Davey, Ed Downey, Matt Harris, Bo Moreno, Chris Stanton, Jimmy Walker, Stacy Zerr, Bob Jacobi.

•M/S/C to approve the financial report.  The report shows events, except for Sporting Clay Shoot, to have exceeded budgeted net, dues received and expenses about on par the budget.  A request to members for additional support to help pay down the SBA loan will be included with dues invoices for 2025-26, which will go out around May 1.

•An update of dues status of member organizations, past members and potential members will be distributed to the Board.

•Three of the five April 8 ballot issues endorsed by the LMC carried:  The Kansas City Public School bonds, Independence infrastructure bonds and KCMO Public Safety sales tax renewal all passed.  Two Independence issues, for public safety buildings and for historic and recreational facility improvements, did not pass.  Overall more than $1 billion in bond issues passed in the metro area on April 8.

The Kansas legislative session ended last week.  No issues the LMC opposed were passed but Medicaid expansion and prevailing wage did not receive consideration on either House’s floor.  Missouri’ssession  is focused on the budget and attempts to change voter-based initiatives from November 2024.  The paid leave provisions in Missouri are complex for man employers especially in construction and may be thrown out or amended by the legislature.  SB 4, on utility rates, passed and will result in development of more power availability.

•The 46th Anniversary Celebration and 25th Awards Dinner April 10 at Argosy Casino was successful, with about 150 attendees and 184 seats sold. The keynote address focused on the impact of the World Cup next year, and Board members elaborated on those impacts.  The event exceeded the budgeted net ab about $4,000.  The starting time was moved a half hour earlier, and after board discussion will move another half-hour earlier next year with perhaps changes in the menu structure.

•Upcoming events include the Mid-America Labor/Management Conference; Board member Bret Bonge is a co-chair along with executive director Jacobi.  Kim Robbins, Federal Reserve Bank, will keynote as she did for last year’s LMC Anniversary Celebration.  The July 6-9 conference at Camden on the Lake is now open for registration (https://cvent.me/zZXRa2) and the hotel is filling up.

•The Mid-Level Leadership Program graduated nine.  Next year’s program may see slightly higher instructional costs as sessions led by FMCS commissioners will require either new instructors or for the former FMCS folks to be paid.

•The Craig Whitaker Memorial Golf Tournament will be July 22, the Sporting Clay Shoot Sept. 11, the Mid-Level Leadership Program begins in September and the Public Officials Reception Oct. 16.  The committee working on the Corn Hole Tournament is looking at fall or next spring.

•The Public Officials Reception date has changed to Oct. 16 to accommodate our co-host BOMA-KC, which had a conflict on Oct. 23.  Other upcoming events include the Mid-America Labot-Management Conference July 6-9, the Criag Whitaker Memorial Golf Tournament July 22 and the Sporting Clay Shoot Sept. 11, though that date may change if possible to accommodate a potential sponsor.  We now have the specifications for starting a Labor and Employment Relations Association KC area chapter; additional research on the work needed and how it would fit with the LMC will be presented in April.  The committee continue work on a possible Cornhole Tournament.

•Discussion continues on the next Labor Vice Co-Chair as well as other possible new board members.

•The next Board of Directors meeting will be Thursday, July 24, 1 p.m. at McCownGordon Construction Co., 850 Main KCMO 64105, pending availability.

•M/S/C to adjourn at 2:15 p.m.

 

The LMC Board of Directors meets Thursday, April17, 1 p.m. at The Builders, a chapter of the AGC.

Construction Committee Learns About Registered Youth apprenticeships, Celebrates School Bond Wins

Construction Industry Steering Team Summary of Minutes

 8 a.m., Thursday, April 10 2025, Mark One Electric Co., Inc.

Attending:  Sam Alpert, Greg Davey, Eric Floyd, Josh Franklin, Matt Harris, Dominick Klobe, Claae Liles, Kelly McClellen, Jacobe Sizemore, Tina Shonk-Little, Joey Taylor, Nate Zier, Bob Jacobi.

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

•Session #40 of the Construction Summit:  Efforts continue working with the Fair Contracting Alliance.  Efforts are also underway to promote Responsible Bidder Ordinances for local governments and school districts.

•Presentation by Clara Liles, Missouri Registered Youth Apprenticeship Program of the state Department of Elementary and Secondary Education Education.  The program helps organizations develop youth (high school students) apprenticeship programs and linking them to schools.  Clare is the coordinator representing the Kansas City region among others.  By enrolling 11th and 12th graders, registered your programs can hep them get a head start on their careers, build relationships with employers, earn a credential, take the right classes and earn money before graduation.  There are 456 current out apprentices.  Among the benefits are that workers comp insurance is paid for when the students are working, and schedules are flexible.  Many area districts participate, as do partners such as NICE and the Kauffman Foundation Real World Learning program.  On May 6 there will be a business and industry event with details for employers/unions and educators and all committee members are invited.  The RYA provides a pathway for high school students to get better prepared for and ready to enter trades apprenticeship  programs.  For more information Clara can be reached at [email protected] and 816-351-0033.  Her presentation is attached to the minutes.

•NICE held a successful iBuild Showcase Tuesday with 55 exhibitors and more than 2,600 students from area high and middle schools.  Nate thanked all the trades and contractors who participated as exhibitors and volunteers.  Next year’s iBuild will be in a smaller space at Bartle on April 28.

•Most school districts were successful in their bond elections on Tuesday, generating more than a billion dollars in future work.  The Kansas City Public Schools passed its first since the 1960s for $475 million.  The victory. Margin of 85% was surprisingly high.  North Kansas City Schools passed its $170 million bond issue with 80%.  Committee members will closely monitor implementation of the bond projects to ensure quality work with local contractors and workers compliant with state law.

•The Missouri state budget is being developed; the Governor’s recommendation was $300 million short of full formula funding, though the Senate may push to change that.  Many infrastructure projects are included though there are long-term concerns with tax cuts, possible federal funding cuts and a possible slowing economy.

•Concern was also expressed about the federal decimation of the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service and cuts to the U.S. Department of Labor, and the impact on labor-management relations and workforce development.

•Heartland Women in Trades along with Missouri Women in Trades and others are holding a summit May 31 in Columbia.  The summit will address how to improve treatment of women on construction sites.  HWIT will hold its annual kickball fundraiser Oct. 11.

•Upcoming events:

*LMC Anniversary Celebration and Awards Dinner, April 10, Argosy Casino

*Working Families Friend Texas Hold’em Poker Night, April 18, 5:30 .p.m., Pipefitters Local 533 hall

*DBAI-KCHE Event-Unlocking Efficiency & Value Is DBIA Right for You? April 23

*HWIT, MWIT Summit May 31, Stephenes College, Columbia

*Business & Industry event for Missouri Registered Youth Apprenticeship Programs, May 7

*USDOL Davis-Bacon Seminar, June 25-26, online

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

*LMC Craig Whitaker Memorial Golf Tournament July 22, Eagles Landing Golf Club

*LMC Sporting Clay Shoot Sept. 11, Saddle & Sirloin

*USDOL Davis-Bacon Seminar, Sept. 24-25, online

*LMC/BOMA-KC Public Officials Reception Oct. 16, Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts

*NICE Awards Luncheon, Oct. 23

•M/S/C to adjourn at 10 a.m.

•Next Meeting: 8 a.m., Thursday, April 10, 2025  at Mark One Electric Co.

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 Labor-Management Council of Greater Kansas City celebrated its 46th Anniversary and 25th Awards Dinner April 10, 2025 by honoring JE Dunn executive Brian Dietz and former Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service commissioners Stephanie Haynes and Jim Albano. More than 170 attendees at Argosy Casino also learned about the impact and opportunities of the 2026 World Cup matches in Kansas City.

Photos are available in the Photo Album 46th Anniversary Celebration and 25th Awards Dinner at the left. (Note: feel free to contact us with any missing or mistaken identifications in the captions).

The LMC elected Bo Moreno, IBEW Local 124, as Labor Co-Chair succeeding Dan Heizman, Fire Fighters Local 42. Ralph Oropeza, Greater Kansas City Building and Construction Trades Council, was re-elected Secretary and Greg Davey, The Builders a chapter of the AGC, as Treasurer. Board members re-elected included KC Borden, KC NECA and Tom Gebken, CWA Local 6360.

Dietz received the Leadership in Labor-Management Cooperation Award. He was recognized for his role in negotiating many project labor agreements and addressing disputes as Regional General Counsel for JE Dunn Construction Co. Alise Martiny, international vice president of the Operative Plasterers and Cement Masons International Association, praised Dietz’ willingness to settle issues pragmatically and fairly as well as advance positive labor-management relationships within the construction industry. He also served a LMC Co-Chair and is a graduate of the LMC’s Mid-Level Leadership Program. Dietz said he valued the relationships with labor leaders and the opportunities to find solutions benefitting labor and management.

Haynes and Albano earned the Service to the Labor-Management Council Award. Both had continued FMCS’ tremendous support of the LMC and its mission of enhancing collaboration and trust between labor and management, and both taught in the Mid-Level Leadership Program. Both recently led FMCS as part of the he elimination of most of FMCS’ staff and programs, and as Heizman noted in presenting the award those services will be greatly missed by the labor-management community. Haynes will continue to provide services as a private-sector consultant with Transformation WRX. She expressed appreciation for the recognition and noted her growth from a CWA member to union leader to neutral providing service improving labor-management relationships.

The KC region expects more than 650,000 visitors during the World Cup matches in June and July 2026, noted Tracy Whelpley, director of regional impact for KC2026 FIFA World Cup. She praised the tremendous community collaboration involved across political subdivisions, industries and community groups to prepare the KC region to get the bid, prepare and execute as the host city. Whelpley detailed the many requirements and activities to bring the matches to Kansas City as well as opportunities for sponsors, vendors and volunteers, she noted. There will be events starting in June 2025 to help lead up to the matches and engage the community. Details can be found at the website, Kansas Cityfwc26.com.

Making the event possible were these sponsors:
•Founding—Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas City, The Builders, a Chapter of the AGC, Cornell Roofing and Sheet Metal, IBEW Local 124, Plumbers Local 8
Anniversary—Power Partners, The Hon Donna Peyton, Jackson County Legislature
Awards—Blake & Uhlig, Heavy Construction Laborers Local 663, JE Dunn Construction Co., Laborers Local 264 and Laborers Local 1290, Pipefitters Local 533
Supporter—J. Michael Tiner-Mackey
Program Advertisers—Kansas City Royals, Operative Plasterers & Cement Masons Local 518, Arnold Newbold Sollars & Hollins, Full Employment Council, Heartland Women in Trades, McCownGordon Construction Co. and Bricklayers Local 15.

Volunteers Matt Eberle, TheBuilders, a Chapter of the AGC; Emilia Rivera, E&K, and Mary Jacobi were also instrumental in the event’s success.

The LMC is a nonprofit organizational membership association based at Rockhurst University with a mission of enhancing collaboration by solidifying trust and communication between labor and management in the community.

Future LMC and related events during 2025 include the Mid-America Labor/Management Conference July 6-9 sat Camden on the Lake; Craig Whitaker Memorial LMC Golf Tournament July 22 at Eagles Landing Golf Club; Sporting Clay Shoot Sept. 11 at Saddle and Sirloin, and the Public Officials Reception Oct. 10 at the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts. The LMC’s Construction Industry Committee meets monthly (except for July) on the 2nd Thursday at 8 a.m. at Mark One Electric Co., Inc.

For more information contact [email protected].