The Labor-Management Council of Greater Kansas City

The annual Workers' Memorial Day event at the Builders' Association Training Center again was moving and insightful. Duke Dujakovich, LMC honoree, past LMC Co-Chair and Greater Kansas City AFL-CIO president, reminded that a series of small steps lead to fatal accidents, steps that could be changed or avoided when safety is foremost in our minds at work. OSHA Regional Administrator Kimberly Stills and Area Director Karena Lorek recognized fallen workers and their families, emphasizing that safety at work is a partnership between management, labor and government. Don Greenwell, Builders' Association president and LMC Treasurer, helped remember the workers lost. And Matt Snook debuted a song to bring comfort and remembrance.

Proclamations from the City of Kansas City, Mo., read by Councilwoman Heather Hall, and the State of Missouri, read by new Department of Labor Director Ann Hui, were presented to honor workers and their families.

Photos are now available from the Labor-Management Council 38th Anniversary Celebration and 18th Awards Dinner April 21 at Argosy Casino at left under 2017 Awards Dinner. Please let us know if you want a copy of the photo or have an addition/correction to the identifications with a photo. Thanks to Bill Wien, Builders' Association, and Mary Jacobi for the photos. Copies of the event program are also available, either hard copy or a PDF.

Labor-Management Council Honors Dujakovich, Maloney

The Labor-Management Council of Greater Kansas City (LMC) honored Pat “Duke” Dujakovich and Jim Maloney at its 38th anniversary celebration and 18th awards dinner Thursday at Argosy Casino. Photos from the event will be posted on this site soon.

More than 230 leaders from labor, management and government participated. Dujakovich, president of the Greater Kansas City AFL-CIO, was recognized for Leadership in Labor-Management Collaboration. Brandy McCombs, IBC Inc., last year’s recipient, noted that he has reached out to business and local government leaders to work cooperatively on key public issues whenever possible, and supported the mission of the LMC both as labor council president and his previous leadership with Fire Fighters Local 3808.

Maloney is the longest-serving instructor for the LMC’s Mid-Level Leadership Program, done in partnership with Rockhurst University. The unique program develops leadership skills and relationship-building among up and coming labor and management leaders. He has conducted two of the 16 program sessions each year for more than two decades, helping develop communication and leadership skills for more than 400 participants. An expert in association management, he has also volunteered expertise to the LMC on those issues.

The LMC elected Tim Bell, business manager for the Western Missouri and Kansas Laborers District Council, as labor co-chair, and Jason Mendenhall, business manager for Heavy Construction Laborers Local 663 as labor vice co-chair. Alise Martiny, Greater Kansas City Building and Construction Trades business manager, was re-elected secretary and Don Greenwell, Builders’ Association president, was re-elected treasurer. Greg Davey, Builders’ Association labor relations, and Dan Gercone, Teamsters Local 541 business manager, were elected to the Board of Directors.

Robbie Makinen, president of the Kansas City Area Transportation Authority, lauded the partnership between the KCATA and the Greater Kansas City AFL-CIO to provide free transit services to veterans. More than 11,000 trips have been provided under the program, Makinen reported. The effort is a classic example of labor-management collaboration, noted Bob Jacobi, LMC executive director. As last year’s Service to the LMC recipient, Makinen also presented the award to Maloney.

Sponsors for the event included Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas City, Cigna and Delta Innovative Services, Inc., at the Founding level; the Builders’ Association at the Anniversary level; Heavy Construction Laborers Local 663, JE Dunn Construction Co., Pipefitters Local 533, Sheet Metal Workers Local 2 and Turner Construction Co. at the Awards level; and Michael D. Fitzgerald and Strategic Workplace Solutions at the Supporter level.

The LMC also awarded certificates for completing this year’s Mid-Level Leadership Program to Timothy Bond, Nate Brown, James Caldwell, Kendra Jackson, Diana Smith, Greg Taylor, CJ Stenner and Jamal Wynn from the city of Kansas City, Mo.; Colt Briggs, Kelly Butz, Don Hughes, Corey Miller, Brandon Tiesing and Stephen Vetter, Kansas City Power & Light Co.; Chantell Garrett, Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City; Michael Keeter, JE Dunn Construction Co., and Alex Miller, Parson and Associates.

Volunteers for the event included Nicole Abrahamson, Robin Norris, Emilia Peek and Mary Jacobi.

The Labor-Management Council of Greater Kansas City is a nonprofit association based at Rockhurst University. It’s mission is to enhance collaboration by solidifying trust and communication between labor and management in the community. More information is available at http://labormanagementkc.typepad.com , bob.jacobi@rockhurst.edu and (816) 501-4565.

The LMC's 38th Anniversary Celebration and 18th Awards Dinner takes place tomorrow night at Argosy Casino. The Leadership in Labor-Management Cooperation and Service to the Labor-Management Council awards will be announced, and Mid-Level Leadership graduates and faculty will be recognized. Contact the LMC if you still want to attend. A full report on the event will be posted here Friday.

Construction Committee Focuses on Project Incentive Issues, iBuild, Legislation

Construction Industry Steering Team Summary of Minutes

 8 a.m., Thursday,  April 13, 2017, Mark One Electric Co., Inc.

Attending:  Terry Akins, Sam Alpert, KC Borden, Louie Brinkoetter, Greg Davey, Brian Deitz, Jerry Helmick,, Kevin King, Dave Kirkpatrick, Greg Lever, Joe Mabin, Scott Ritzinger, Colleen White, Bob Jacobi.

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

•Discussion of KCMO-incentivized projects and challenges to contractor compliance with MBE/WBE and workforce goals.  A uniform policy among agencies would help.  The contractor disparity study has recommendations; a workforce disparity study is being considered.  Even some projects with very low goals may not be able to meet them. A key is those appointed to the agency boards by the Mayor.

•KCMO focus after the successful bond election and passage of contractor prequalification will been possible KCI modernization and potential streetcar extension.  Members are urged to educate their members, employees, community and elected leaders on the need for KCI modernization; a November election is possible.  The Chamber plans a significant education effort.

•Final action on prevailing wage in Missouri is uncrtain; two repeal bills are on the Senate informal calendar.  If no action is taken a plan for educating legislators and continuing to build opposition to repeal needs to be undertaken.  A bill to allow stacking of tax credits is worth consideration could be helpful, while a committee is slated to issue a report on tax credits (likely one critical of key tax credits) this summer, requiring an education effort on tax credits as well before the next session.

•The Trump Administration stance on Davis-Bacon is uncertain; there may be an announcement soon.  He did not address it at the Building Trades national conference when he spoke there.  Terry Akins was quoted on the issue (article attached with meeting reminder email).

•NICE will hold iBuild May 4 at Bartle Hall, with move-in and reception (5:30 p.m.) on May 3.  All are urged to attend both events.  NICE is also working with Big Brothers & Big Sisters and Jackson County CASA to introduce their older clients to construction career opportunities.  Volunteers are still needed for iBuild.  The 2018 iBuild will be May 3.

•The LMC Anniversary Celebration and Awards Dinner will be in one week.  Anyone not signed up is urged to do so soon.

•Events:

 *Hispanic Contractors Association luncheon, JE Dunn presentation on KCK bond and KCMO

   hotel projects, April 14, 11:30 a.m. at Manny’s Restaurant

  *LMC Anniversary Celebration and Awards Dinner, April 20, Argosy Casino

  *KC CREW Luncheon on West Bottoms Revival, April 25, 11:30 a.m., Grand Street Cafe

  *Worker Memorial Day, April 28, 10 a.m.-noon at Builders’ Training Center

  *iBuild Showcase, May 4, 2017, Bartle Hall; Reception May 3

  *Missouri legislative session ends, May 12, 6 p.m.

  *Builders’ Association Scholarship Golf Tournament, May 15, Milburn Country Club.

  *Heart & Stroke Walk, May 20, 8 a.m., Power & Light District.

  *Rockhurst University Fr. Joseph Freeman Golf Tournament, June 26, LionsGate

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

  *LMC Golf Tournament, July 17, Oakwood Country Club

  *MCA Charity Golf Tournament, Aug. 28, The National

  *Construction Expo and Academies, Sept. 13, Bartle Hall

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

  *NICE Annual  Awards Luncheon, Oct. 17, Muehlbach

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

•Next Meeting: 8 a.m., Thursday, May 11, 2017, Mark One Electric Co., Inc. 

•M/S/C to adjourn at 9:40 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.

Summary of Minutes
LMC Board of Director Meeting
8:30 a.m. • April 12, 2017 • Rockhurst University

Attending: Sam Alpert, Tim Bell, KC Borden, Brian Dietz, Don Greenwell, Mike Kane, Jason Mendenhall, Bob Jacobi.

•M/S/C to accept the financial report.

•Prospects for new member organizations were discussed.

•The legislative sessions in Missouri and Kansas have been challenging; preserving prevailing wage is the priority in Missouri. Appropriate tax credit policy and the UMKC downtown conservatory are other Missouri priorities. Kansas priorities have moved but not likely to be passed this session. Kansas City, Mo., passed an ordinance supported by the LMC for contractor pre qualification; we will continue to advocate for stronger training language in the future. KCI modernization is now back in discussion. The Issues Committee will consider proposals for a state OSHA and the construction exemption under sales tax in Kansas, as those issues have resurfaced.

•The Anniversary Celebration and Awards Dinner April 20 will have more than 200 participants; reservations are still available except for Founding sponsorship which is sold out. The Mid-America Labor/Management Conference will be July 9-12. The Craig Whitaker Golf Tournament will be July 17 and the Public Officials Reception Oct. 6; Mid-Level Leadership is expected to begin in September.

•The iBuild Showcase will be May 4; reception at 5:30 p.m. May 3. More than 2000 students are expected. Volunteers and contest judges are still being sought.

•The Workers Memorial Day will be at the Builders’ Training Center, April 28 10 a.m.-noon, lunch included.

•The Board supports moving forward with the Advanced Program including a public service component. A final proposal will be presented for the July board meeting.

•The slate for the annual meeting at the awards dinner includes Tim Bell, Labor-Co-Chair; Jason Mendenhall, Labor Vice Co-Chair; Alise Martiny, Secretary; Don Greenwell, Treasurer; Allen Dillingham, Board re-election; Dan Gercone, board re-election.

•The next Board meeting will be 8:30 a.m. Wednesday, July 19, Rockhurst University.

•M/S/C to adjourn at 9:45 a.m.

The LMC Construction Industry Committee will meet Thursday, April 13, 8 a.m. at Mark One Electric Co., Inc.

The LMC wishes the Royals good luck and an exciting Kansas City Day for the home opener,

The LMC Board of Directors meets Wednesday, April 12, 8:30 a.m. at Rockhurst University.

Congrats to LMC members and KC voters on the passage of $800 in GO bonds yesterday. The results will generate much-needed infrastructure improvements.

More than $200 million in school projects around the region were also approved. And several LMC folks were elected to school boards: Greg Chastain, Sheet Metal Workers Local 2 business manager, in Smithville; Terry Stone, Mid-Level Leadership instructor, in North Kansas City; and AJ Byrd, retired from MODOT and active in our workforce development efforts, in Liberty.

The LMC congratulates KCMO Mayor Sly James on receiving the Rockhurst University Rashford-Lyon Award for Leadership and Ethics. Rev. Nick Rashford was Rockhurst School of Management Dean in the LMC's early days, and Tom Lyon was a professor who gave support and consultation to the LMC for many years before his death. Also congrats to Mark Teahan, George J. Shaw Construction Co., who chaired the Rockhurst group sponsoring the luncheon where James was honored. Astronaut Scott Kelly shared a moving and fascinating address to the packed room at the luncheon as well.

The LMC urges contacts to Missouri state senators on the Rules Committee in support of HCS 19, bonds to build a new performing arts center for UMKC, and to those on the General Laws Committee opposing HB 104, a prevailing wage repeal. Contact the LMC for more details.