Unions

As he runs for re-election this November, Missouri Sen. Josh Hawley’s about-face on right to work is seen by some as a welcome shift toward pro-labor policy and by others as election year pandering.

The workers who inspect and repair rides at the Kansas City amusement park have been negotiating for eight months, and voted to authorize a strike earlier this month. Their new contract includes guaranteed annual raises, increased paid leave and more rest time.

Democrats have long enjoyed support from organized labor, but many union members don’t feel a party allegiance any more. In Kansas City's Northland, both Republican Rep. Bill Allen and his opponent, UAW member and Democrat Shirley Mata, hope to win over dissatisfied voters. Plus: The Midwest is going through another drought, but farmers might not be eligible for relief.

Los demócratas han gozado durante mucho tiempo del apoyo de las organizaciones sindicales, pero muchos de sus afiliados ya no sienten lealtad a ningún partido. El representante del estado de Missouri, el republicano Bill Allen, y su oponente, la demócrata Shirley Mata, miembro del UAW, esperan ganarse a los votantes insatisfechos.

Contract drivers for IRIS operate Kansas City’s low-cost, city-subsidized rideshare app. They want the right to unionize and negotiate higher pay, benefits and safety measures on the job.

Democrats have long enjoyed support from organized labor, but many union members don’t feel a party allegiance any more. Missouri state Rep. Bill Allen, a Republican, and his opponent, Democrat Shirley Mata, a UAW member, both hope to win over dissatisfied voters.

As he runs for re-election this November, Missouri Sen. Josh Hawley’s about-face on right to work is seen by some as a welcome shift toward pro-labor policy and by others as election year pandering.

The race between Josh Hawley and Lucas Kunce will take place at the same time as a measure to legalize abortion — which could boost Democratic turnout compared to the last two presidential elections.

KC Tenants announced this week that it is a founding local of the Tenant Union Federation, a national union of unions that aims to organize for renter protections at the federal level.

The Kansas City, Missouri-based tenants rights advocacy group joined other tenants unions in Illinois, Connecticut, Kentucky and Montana to form the Tenant Union Federation. TUF hopes to create more effective organizing practices among tenants nationwide and push for federally regulated rent control.

KCUR is the latest of several NPR affiliates to unionize. Employees at St. Louis Public Radio voted to form a union in June 2023 and are still working to finalize a contract with the University of Missouri.

The Wentzville facility makes seats for vehicles including ones produced at the nearby General Motors plant. Workers want improvements to pay, health and safety and other conditions.