NWMO Labor Council elects new leadership
ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (KQTV) -- The Northwest Missouri Labor Council has elected a new leadership team with a focus of rebuilding worker power and strengthening the voice of organized labor across the region.
Zack Dunn has been named the president and Daniel Robinson has been named the vice president.
The Northwest Missouri Labor Council, an affiliate of the AFL-CIO, represents union members across 11 counties.
The Council brings together labor unions, trade organizations and community allies who collectively aim to advocate for fair wages, strong benefits and the dignity of work.
The leadership transition comes after the loss of Mike Veale, who served as president for the last 11 years.
"Mike was a courageous leader who stood shoulder-to-shoulder with members of the community. He never hesitated to jump in and offer his help whenever the need arose. Mike was a kind man and a strong leader," said Jake Hummel, president of the Missouri AFL-CIO. "Mike has left big shoes to fill and I'm confident Zack's leadership will carry that commitment forward."
Dunn, the newly elected president, currently serves as the Government Affairs Director for the Missouri and Kansas Laborers District Council of the Laborers' International Union of North America (LIUNA).
Dunn is a Savannah, Missouri native, his career began as a Regional Field Director during Missouri's historic campaign to defeat "right-to-work" legislation.
According to a press release, under Dunn's leadership, Northwest Missouri became a model for labor mobilization by organizing 200 volunteers who knocked on over 15,000 doors and delivered victories in 16 of 17 counties on Election Day.
"This is about rebuilding strength from the ground up," said Dunn. "Northwest Missouri has always had a proud union history. From the men and women who built our roads, bridges, and schools to the workers who keep our communities running today. We're going to honor that legacy by building an organization that fights for all working people, union and non-union alike."
Robinson, the newly elected vice president and resident of Faucett, Missouri, has been a proud member of the international Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) for 30 years.
After completing his five-year apprenticeship, Robinson worked as a journeyman electrician before serving three years on his local executive board and was later elected Business Manager of the IBEW Local 549 in 2019.
"Rebuilding the labor movement will help raise wages and benefits for all workers, reduce economic inequality, and improve workplace stability," said Robinson. "This country was built on the backs of working men and women, and it's up to us to make sure that legacy continues. The working class deserves every ounce of support we can give."
The Labor Council's new leadership said it aims to reestablish itself as a driving force for progress by connecting labor unions, local leaders and communities through its shared mission of strengthening the region by empowering its workers.
