Missouri AFL-CIO President Jake Hummel, AFL-CIO unions honored with first NCJW Community Partnership Award

By ED FINKELSTEIN
Publisher Emeritus

Jake Hummel, Missouri AFL-CIO president and the unions of the AFL-CIO were honored by the National Conference of Jewish Women (NCJW) St. Louis chapter with their first Community Partnership Award at their annual Celebrating Women ceremonies April 19.

The awards, presented to Brother Hummel (a 24-year IBEW Local 1 member) and five others, are to recognize support for the NCJW efforts in our region to promote issues that support the welfare of women, children and their families and the community-at-large.

As a result of his efforts, for many years Hummel and various construction union members in St. Louis have volunteered to work at the NCJW’s Back to School! Store by setting up racks, changing rooms and  display tables. The store provides every conceivable back-to-school supply needed by children from underserved families who come and shop – all free, of course. It includes clothing, backpacks and school supplies.

FIRST TIME AWARD
“This is a brand new award, created to honor our partners who support the work of NCJW. Not only does Jake do this personally, but his colleagues at the AFL-CIO also step up when asked to pitch in,” said award presenter, Community Impact Vice President Amanda Stein.

She noted that Labor and the NCJW jointly support many efforts: “Things like Medicaid expansion, raising the minimum wage and Clean Missouri are just a few ofthe issues where we worked hand-in-hand with the AFL-CIO to testify in Jefferson City, get signatures for ballot issues and educate our constituencies about the issues.”

Noting that NCJW looks forward to its partnership with the AFL-CIO, she added proudly: “And, in case you haven’t noticed, there was a ‘union bug’ on the printed invitation for this event. NCJW has worked hard to support the Labor Movement, and we are trying to support our partners—and we encourage you to do the same.”

‘AN HONOR’
“It’s an honor to work with the NCJW in so many ways,” Hummel told the Labor Tribune. “They do incredible work in the community. They support our efforts to improve the lives of our working union families, all families and that’s why we proudly support their many positive programs. We look forward to continuing supportive efforts on the many, many challenges Missouri faces.”