Labor unions are pushing for legislation friendly to workers at a time when they have an ally as governor.
Speaking to a packed Capitol rotunda full of union workers, Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly praised organized labor.
“Last year was an historic one for the labor movement nationwide,” she said. “Union workers representing a broad spectrum of industries across the country, from Hollywood to Detroit, Teamsters to Starbucks baristas, stood in solidarity and achieved not just huge victories, but a momentum surge the likes of which we have not seen in decades.
“I have always been a fierce defender of organized labor, and I want to acknowledge the important role that unions have played in the unprecedented economic growth we are enjoying here in Kansas.”
Beside Kelly were top officials with four of the largest labor unions in the United States: American Federation of Teachers president Randi Weingarten, United Steelworkers regional executive director Cathy Drummond, International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers international president Brian Bryant and Communications Workers of America assistant to the district vice president Billy Moffett.