When our livelihoods as union operators were at stake in 2018, our slate and membership stepped up to defeat RTW. We worked for years to educate the membership on the devastating effects of this law. Our training led to our union leading the charge on collecting signatures to put the repeal of RTW on the ballot. Our work along with our strong membership delivered the petitions to the Secretary of State’s office where 513 was recognized for all our work. We led the boots-on-the-ground campaign and defeated RTW with over 67% of the vote.
Our slate has successfully negotiated quality contracts without giving up any of our earned working conditions. Our slate successfully negotiated contracts that added language to our agreements that benefit our members. Meanwhile securing the largest hourly wage increase in our union’s history totaling $9.75 wage and benefits package increase.
Our slate also isn’t afraid to make hard decisions. We successfully increased supplemental dues with 63% approval. The increase allowed long-overdue improvements to our union halls. Our union is solvent because of this increase brought forward by our slate. The increase allowed Local 513 to hire a new organizer to increase our market share and a new agent to monitor work which leads to an increase in man-hours.
Along with management trustees, our slate has successfully continued the Pension Improvement Plan. Our pension is now over 80% funded (green zone) as of May 1, 2021, three years ahead of schedule.
Our slate continues to be dedicated to growing our market share. While we continue to grow our union’s funds it is important to implement the use of our Market Recovery Program again. The purpose of the program is to promote union contractors and give them a bidding advantage against non-signatory contractors on projects. This would enhance work opportunities for our members.
During our tenure, we have been able to provide critical upgrades to the members’ union halls. It is our goal if re-elected to continue these important upgrades and explore a potential construction or purchase of a union hall in Jefferson City for our members and retirees.
Our slate has put an emphasis on growing our union by organizing. Our organizer and agents have increased our membership by organizing over 20 employers. With a tough organizing approach, we have had success. The days of passive organizing are over with our leadership. We will continue to work to increase our market share if reelected, it is not enough to just preserve, we must thrive.