Laborers Local 955 members ratify contract with City of Columbia

Columbia, MO – Members of Laborers (LiUNA) Local 955 voted to ratify their contract with the city of Columbia on Aug. 22 and will see a minimum six percent pay increase if the City Council approves the final contract. The contract covers some 230 service and maintenance workers for the city, including public works, utilities and the airport. 

“We could not have won without the support of community members and allied Labor unions,”  Local 955 Field Representative Andrew Hutchinson said “We need to build an economy and democracy that works for everyone – not just bosses, developers and corporations. This contract ratification helps align our City government to its citizens’ values. It is a significant step in the right direction.

“Our members showed up at rallies, picket lines, held community picnics, knocked doors, talked to their neighbors… and it shows,” Hutchinson said. “We hope the City seriously works with us next year to fight wage compression. We have a long way to go to reward loyal, long-time employees but this is a significant step in the right direction.”

Scotty Johnson, a Local 955 union shop steward and mechanic said “The City needs to do right by its loyal, long-time employees. We only won these raises because community members, council members and workers stood together and fought for better public services.”

Jason McKinney, a Local 955 shop steward and material handler at the city’s material recovery facility said “This contract, along with City Council passing paid family leave, brings the City closer to being an employer of choice. The City needs to lead the way in being a family-friendly employer. Paid family leave will accomplish that.”