‘Paychecks Over Politics’ Labor Rally at Missouri State Capitol March 28

To stand up for working families, against RTW, prevailing wage repeal and other anti-worker measures

Jefferson City – The Missouri State Capitol is “the people’s house,” said State Senator Gina Walsh (D-Bellefontaine Neighbors), a retired member of Heat and Frost Insulators Local 1 and president of the Missouri State Building & Construction Trades Council.

With that in mind, the Council is hosting a “Paychecks Over Politics” Rally on Wednesday, March 28, at the Capitol to call attention to the phony “right-to-work” (RTW) measure Proposition A which will go before voters later this year and ongoing legislative efforts to repeal Prevailing Wage and impose “paycheck deception” on public-sector workers and other anti-union, anti-worker legislation.

“With RTW and all of this other legislation, it’s the same political situation we face every year,” Walsh said, noting that the day’s activities will start with workers and union members visiting their elected officials to let them know how RTW and other anti-union, anti-worker measures will affect their paychecks and their families and conclude with a rally and speeches on the south lawn of the Capitol.

“With Prop. A on the ballot, this will be an opportunity to continue to engage and energize our members,” Walsh said. “It’s the people’s house. That’s our place as much as anybody’s and elected officials need to hear from us. We need to start electing like-minded people. If we don’t we’re going to be doing this forever.”

SCHEDULE

The schedule for the day is as follows:

• 9-10 a.m. – Busses arrive at the Capitol. Many unions are providing bus transportation. Contact your union local for information.

• 10-11:30 a.m. – Visit offices of elected officials to educate them on bills that are important to the Labor Movement.

The Building Trades will provide information for members to deliver to their representatives and senators.

• 11:30 a.m. – Gather on the south lawn of the Capitol.

• Noon – Rally begins.

The Capitol Complex is currently undergoing much-needed renovations, which will affect traffic flow in and around the Capitol. The map below shows where busses may drop-off and the layout and position on the Capitol lawn for the rally.

Walsh said she expected the rally to be well-attended. Because of the work at the Capitol building and limited parking in the area, if you are not taking a bus, car-pooling is recommended.

TREAT LEGISLATORS WITH RESPECT

As aggravating as this year and last year’s legislative sessions have been, remember we attract more flies with honey than vinegar.

Speak respectfully with your legislator, even if they disagree with our position or are on the fence. These issues are highly charged on both sides, and getting into a shouting match with a representative can only hurt our cause, not help. One angry legislator can convince others to change their support. So please, be respectful under ALL circumstances.

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Rally shuttle for self-drivers

Because of the limited parking around the State Capitol due to construction, self-drivers to the March 28 rally be forewarned: it’s going to be a mess. Consider taking your union’s bus.

However, there will be off-site parking with shuttle service both ways.

Parking will be available at the Jefferson City Labor Temple, 209 Flora Dr.

The service is being provided by IBEW 257 and Laborers 662. Thanks guys.

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