Area unions made a strong showing at the Arnold Days Parade

Arnold – The Jefferson County Labor Club’s member unions made an impressive showing at the annual Arnold Days Parade Sept. 22.

Anticipating a fight over right-to-work (for less) in the coming legislative session or at the polls next year, the labor club handed out bags of candy to parade watchers, stuffed with information about right-to-work and bumper stickers supplied by the Missouri AFL-CIO. The bags also contained information about the Arnold Food Pantry and other charities the labor club supports in Jefferson County.

Labor Club President Bart Velasco said about 250 union members turned out to march in the parade, which drew over 50,000 spectators along Jeffco Blvd. between the Fox C-6 Service Center and Arnold City Park.

The labor club handed out 2,875 bags to spectators, and Velasco said the right-to-work bumper stickers were starting to appear on cars in the Jefferson County area.

Even though right-to-work (for less) failed in the Missouri Legislature this year, the anti-union, anti-worker stalwart is expected to return next year, likely as a referendum to be decided by voters.

“We’re starting to get the word out,” Velasco said. “Now is the time we have to start educating people, before it’s too late. I think we were successful in doing that. I only wish we had had more time to put together more bags.”