Missouri AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer Merri Berry appeared on the America’s Work Force Union Podcast and discussed ongoing labor battles in Missouri and how the state’s AFL-CIO is empowering women.
Berry began her labor journey with the United Food and Commercial Workers Local 655 in St. Louis. She met David Cook, now the President of Local 655, who got Berry involved in the union. As an active Local 655 member, Berry gained a passion for politics and eventutally moved on to work for the Missouri AFL-CIO.
Currently, the Missouri AFL-CIO is leading a battle against a pair of bills that will be brought to a vote during this legislative session. The first bill is House Joint Resolution 43, which would change the required percentage of yes votes needed to amend the Missouri constitution from 50 percent plus one to 60 percent. The second piece of legislation is Senate Bill 21, which would shorten the length of time a person could collect unemployment benefits from 20 weeks to eight weeks.
Berry then discussed Working Women’s Lobby Day and its effect on Missouri women in labor. The event began as a way to give women a voice in the labor movement. It takes place on International Women’s Day and encourages women to petition their state representatives on different topics such as women’s rights and union issues. Berry believes this event shows that women in unions are active and can be a force for change.
Listen to the entire episode to learn more.