Statewide Day of Action to repeal RTW collects thousands of signatures

By TIM ROWDEN

Editor

Union members and workers throughout the state participated in We Are Missouri’s statewide drive-thru Day of Action June 10 to sign the petition to place so-called “right-to-work (for less)” on the ballot so voters – not politicians – have the final say about legislation that hurts Missouri’s workers, their families, and our communities.

The anti-worker law, passed by the Republican-controlled legislature and signed by Gov. Eric Greitens earlier this year, is scheduled to become law on Aug. 28. However, if enough signatures from registered voters are collected and verified, the legislation can’t take effect until after a state-wide vote in 2018 to accept or reject the law.

The signing events held on union hall parking lots and public locations throughout the state, made signing the petition quick and easy. Workers and registered Missouri voters turned out in droves to sign the petition and make their voices heard.

“Missouri workers and voters see through the lie of ‘right-to-work’ and the corporate interests that back this destructive legislation,” said Mike Louis, president of the Missouri AFL-CIO. “It’s not about increasing worker freedom; it’s about attacking the wages and negotiating power of Missouri’s workforce, and lowering the wages of every worker in Missouri. We’re not going to stand for it, and Missouri voters are making that message loud and clear.”

Unions and allies from all corners of the state participated in the drive-thru signing events.

UFCW Local 655, the state’s largest private-sector local union, based in St. Louis, saw a steady stream of union members and voters pouring through their drive-thru event in Ballwin.

“The people of Missouri didn’t vote for politicians to go to Jefferson City and expand government and then lower wages and benefits for all workers,” said UFCW Local 655 President David Cook. “Right-to-work (for less) is more government and a distraction from real issues like job creation, improving schools, and fixing our roads and bridges.

“Local 655 volunteers found enthusiastic support from residents who want a chance to decide for themselves whether or not to pass a law that will drastically, and negatively, impact working families in Missouri, whether or not they are union members, because all workers will be hurt by this law,” Cook added.

For more information on upcoming signing opportunities, visit wearemo.org.

Here are some additional photos from the day’s events.