Julia Williams
Verified
(She/Her)
- Reporter, Podcast Producer, The Labor Beacon
- Freelance Writer, Commerce Bank
Columbia, Kansas City, Washington, D.C.
As seen in:
The Labor Beacon,
EIN News,
Columbia Missourian,
KOMU-TV (Columbia, MO),
KBIA-FM (Columbia, MO),
Vox Magazine,
Kansas City Northeast News
Covers:
Unions, labor, education, community, culture, features, local, breaking, neighborhoods, health care
Reporter, digital producer @thelaborbeacon | miz alum
Articles by Julia Williams
SEIU Seeks Legal Aid for Immigrant Union Members Following 2026 USCIS Policy Implementation
NATIONAL — A slew of 2026 policies released under the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) agency has led to two lawsuits in July and October, respectively, involving the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) and its 32BJ SEIU local.
Financial Plan for Downtown Baseball Stadium Recieves Green Light from Kansas City City Council
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — On Oct. 8, three ordinances went before, and were approved, by the Kansas City City Council regarding development and/or parking uses, Tax Increment Financing District plans and construction buildout costs for the looming Kansas City Royals Downtown Baseball Stadium.
AFGE Files National Grievance After Social Security Administration Eliminates Alternative Work Schedules
NATIONAL — Following an email, which every Social Security Administration employee received on Oct. 5 from the Social Security Administration (SSA) regarding the government entity’s decision to terminate alternative work schedules effective Nov. 16 — impacting over 35,000 employees nationwide — the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) and its SSA General Committee filed a National Level, Union Management Grievance (UMG).
Is Timber the New Steel? Contractors Search for Data Center Development Solutions
NATIONAL — Following trade negotiations with Canada — in which the United States and its northern neighbor announced that it will enforce a 50% tariff, beginning Jan. 1, 2027, on Canadian imports to the U.S. of cars, trucks, automotive parts and steel — data center contractors and developers have begun to seek alternative construction solutions.
Starlight Theatre to Complete 1st Renovation Project in 20 Years Following City of Kansas City Funding Approval
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — On Sept. 24, Kansas City City Council passed an ordinance, which will allow Kansas City Parks and Recreation to reallocate previously approved funds from the first phase of Starlight Theatre Kansas City’s capital renovation project to its second phase — aiding the amphitheatre in its goal to complete construction by spring 2027.
Kansas City City Manager to Begin $185 Million Development Agreement with KC Current, Includes Prevailing Wage
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — On Thursday, Sept. 10, Kansas City City Council approved a development agreement for Kansas City City Manager Mario Vasquez to establish between the City of Kansas City and the Kansas City (KC) Current, which is to include no more than $185 million in public financing over 30 years to complete Berkley Riverfront construction.
Teamsters Local 41 Appoints Freight Business Agent to Secretary-Treasurer, Following Jon Flinn Retirement
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — For International Brotherhood of Teamsters (Teamsters) Local 41 Business Agent Jason Streit, administration wasn’t necessarily where he envisioned himself, but when Local 41 President Joseph Monslow inquired about becoming secretary-treasurer, Streit welcomed the opportunity.
IAFF Local 42 and City of Kansas City Reach Agreement on Binding Arbitration Award
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — A legal dispute between the International Association of Firefighters (IAFF) Local 42 and the City of Kansas City, which began over three years ago, concluded on Aug. 27 when the Local and the City reached an agreement.
Proposition A to Appear on November Ballots as Missouri Congressional Map Lawsuit Continues
MISSOURI — A legislative process involving the Missouri congressional districts, which began over a year ago when the 2025 Missouri General Assembly passed House Bill 1 (HB1) — or the Missouri First Map — that was signed into law by Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe (R) on Sept. 28, 2025, will now be up to Missouri voters in November. This ongoing lawsuit — which was filed on Aug.
5 Members in 2 years — Meet the New Leadership at SMART Local 2
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Over the past two years, Sheet Metal (SMART) Local 2 has promoted five of its members into leadership roles including Adam Brandmueller, Jared Borden, Carl Tharp, Joseph Kimmel and Aaron Murray. With each of these five members starting in their current roles no earlier than 2024, it has led the local to conduct revisions to various programming including adjusting its apprenticeship curriculum, among other aspects.
Kansas City Negotiates with KC Current, Approves $1.4 Billion Riverfront Redevelopment Agreement
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Ordinance 260565, which was proposed during the June 30 Finance, Governance and Public Safety Committee meeting and passed out of Kansas City City Council on July 2 has allowed City Manager Mario Vasquez to enter into negotiations with the Kansas City (KC) Current for a $1.4 billion expansion of CPKC Stadium and the Berkley Riverfront District. On Thursday, Sept.
Will Amendment 6 Appear on November Ballots? The Missouri Supreme Court to Rule in September
COLE COUNTY, Mo. — A Cole County judge ruled in favor of Missouri Secretary of State Dennis “Denny” Hoskins (R) on Aug. 19 in a lawsuit regarding Amendment 6, which People Not Politicians filed on Aug. 4.
City of Kansas City Creates New Small Business Program for Contracts, Retires MWBE Program
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — On July 22, Missouri Attorney General Catherine Hanaway (R) announced in a press release that the State of Missouri had filed a lawsuit against the City of Kansas City targeting its Minority Women Business Enterprise (MWBE) program.
Sprinkler Fitters Local 314 Ends Nearly Two-Week Strike Against Local Contractor
LENEXA, Kan. — After a week and a half, Sprinkler Fitters Local 314 has drawn up the paperwork to end its strike against a newly organized, single contractor. Sprinkler Fitters Local 314 Business Manager Nigel Bayless shared in an interview Aug. 5 that a majority of the union’s instructors and half of its new install set up pickets outside the contractor’s location in Lenexa, Kan., over the past week and a half to fight for increased wages and improved benefits. On Wednesday, Aug.
4th Generation Plasterer Transitions from Local 518 Business Manager to International Union
INDEPENDENCE, Mo. — After 26 years with Operative Plasters’ and Cement Masons’ (OPCMIA) Local 518, Business Manager Kevin Gard will have his last day at the Local on Aug. 25 — transitioning to the Operative Plasters’ and Cement Masons’ International Association as its vice president. For the past six years, Gard has served as OPCMIA Local 518’s business manager — previously holding the roles of business agent, which he occupied for a decade, journeyman and apprentice.
UA Apprentice Becomes First Pipefitters Local 533 to Receive NABTU Tradeswomen Heroes Award
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — At 10:30 a.m. on June 29, pipefitter Meghan Barton was asked to make her way to Pipefitters Local 533 to receive an award no other pipefitter had before: North America’s Building Trades Unions (NABTU) Tradeswomen Build Nations Hero.
Former BAC Local 15 Union Hall Business Agent Concludes First Semester as Apprenticeship Program Training Director
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — While he was growing up in a non-union town of 7,550 residents, 80 miles from Kansas City, International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers (BAC) Local 15 Apprenticeship Program Training Director Josh Franklin could not have pictured he would one day hold his current role. Franklin, who has served as BAC Local 15’s apprenticeship training director since Feb.
IAFF Local 42 Holds the City of Kansas City in Contempt Order for Collective Bargaining Agreement Violation
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — On June 8, the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) Local 42 announced in a press release that it was seeking legal action against the City of Kansas City, Mo., for its failure to meet previous arbitration award requirements.
Advocacy Organization Files Lawsuit After Hoskins Deems Redistricting Referendum Unconstitutional
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — An organizing effort over a year in the making ended in the hands of Missouri Secretary of State Dennis “Denny” Hoskins (R) on Tuesday, Aug. 4 when he announced during a Jefferson City, Mo., press conference that a referendum to a congressional redistricting map violated Missouri Constitutional law.
SMART Local 2 Ends Strike in Topeka, Renegotiates Fair Contract Agreement
TOPEKA, Kan. – After a nine-day strike, members of Sheet Metal Workers (SMART) Local 2 returned to work on Tuesday, July 21 — reaching a fair contract negotiation or Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) with a membership vote of 50% plus one.
New AFL-CIO Resolution Calls for AI Protections in the Workplace
NATIONAL — At the 30th AFL-CIO Constitutional Convention from June 7 through 10 in Minneapolis, Minn., a set of 20 resolutions were introduced and adopted including Resolution 7: “We Want Good Jobs Today and Tomorrow.” This resolution, while touching on a multitude of issues currently impacting the labor community — including Artificial Intelligence (AI) usage on job sites and influx of data center construction to states nationwide — calls for protections on the job including employment...
IUPAT Leadership Brings Building Union Power Campaign to Kansas City
RAYTOWN, Mo. — As a part of the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades’s (IUPAT) “One Union, One Family, One Fight, Building Union Power” campaign — which the international union launched in August 2025 — IUPAT General President Jimmy Williams visited IUPAT District Council (DC) 3 in May to meet with its members on job sites.
CWA Local 6360 Meets with Congressional Representatives at Annual National Conference
WASHINGTON, D.C. — While attending the 55th annual Communication Workers of America (CWA) Legislative-Political Conference, CWA Local 6360 members experienced something they hadn’t before — to speak with local U.S. congressional district representatives.
Missouri and Kansas Labor Leaders Attend 30th AFL-CIO Constitutional Convention
MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. — Nearly 2,000 individuals, including delegates, union local members and leaders, gathered from June 7 through 10 for the 30th AFL-CIO Constitutional Convention at the Minneapolis Convention Center in Minneapolis, Minn. Hosted every four years, this year’s theme focused on “With You, It’s Better in a Union.” Of those in attendance included Missouri AFL-CIO President Jacob “Jake” Hummel and Kansas AFL-CIO Executive Vice President, John Nave.
Worlds of Fun Entertainment Unit Wins Election to Unionize with IATSE Local 31
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — On Tuesday, July 7, the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) Local 31 held an election for Worlds of Fun Theme Park entertainment unit workers who were looking to unionize with IATSE Local 31. An organizing effort over a year in the making, ended in landslide victory for the entertainment unit with 21 yes votes and one no vote.
National and State House Bills to Influence Joint-Employer Rules, Roll Back Worker Protections
NATIONAL — A national house bill, and Department of Labor (DOL) rule, which could be voted on during this current U.S. legislative session — or the Second Session of the 119th U.S. Congress — could depreciate joint employer standards and reduce nearly 9 million worker protections across the U.S. The American Franchise Act (AFA) — introduced and sponsored by U.S. House Representatives Kevin Hern (Oklahoma 1st District) and Donald “Don” Davis (North Carolina 1st District) in September 2025 — or...
IAM Healthcare Demands Action for 37 Uncounted KU Pharmacy Technician Ballots — UPDATE
KANSAS CITY, KAN. — For the past year, pharmacy technicians at the University of Kansas Health System (KU) have worked toward its organizing campaign — fighting for fair wages, safe staffing and improved working conditions.
Impending August Primary to Feature 100% Congressional District Approval on Initiative Petitions
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — One of four ballot measures set to appear on Missouri ballots in the Aug. 4 primary election, if passed, would alter the way the Initiative Petition Process operates, leaving labor and union organizations as well as Missouri citizens, alike restless. Amendment 4 — which is listed as a legislatively referred constitutional amendment — originally scheduled for the Nov. 3 election, will now go before Missouri voters on Aug. 4.
AFL-CIO Survey Participants Vote Unions as Most Trustworthy with Workplace AI Usage
NATIONAL — From April 14 to 22, the AFL-CIO partnered with David Binder Research to survey registered voters across the U.S. with the purpose of gauging opinions of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the workplace.
Working Families’ Friend, Labor Community Helps IAM Local 778 During Month-Long Strike
KANSAS CITY, Mo — Throughout International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) Local Lodge 778’s over 30-day worker strike, which spanned from April 4 to May 7, the Local received financial support from community partners including social services organization, Working Families’ Friend (WFF).
Kansas City, Mo City Council Approves Appearance of $200 Million in GO Bond Funding on August Ballots
Kansas City, Mo — On Thursday, May 21, Kansas City City Council passed Ordinances 260483 and 260484, which will allow language to appear on Kansas City, Mo., voter ballots for the Aug. 4 election regarding the General Obligation (GO) Bonds for the Housing Trust Fund (HTF) and capital improvements for City convention facilities.
Results Are In: MCPL Workers United to Unionize with CWA Local 6360 in Landslide Election
KANSAS CITY, Mo — An election was held from 8 a.m. on Tuesday, May 19 to 11:59 p.m. on Wednesday, May 20, for all eligible Mid-Continent Public Library (MCPL) workers to determine the official unionization of MCPL Workers United with Communication Workers of America (CWA) Local 6360.
KC AFL-CIO Endorses Former Capitol Hill Journalist for Jackson County 1st District Legislator
JACKSON COUNTY, Mo. — Kansas City, Kan. native Kelly Thompson is running unopposed for Jackson County 1st District Legislator — a position, which Manuel “Manny” Abarca IV has occupied since 2023.
From Front of House to State House: Union Members Run for Missouri House Seats
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — One union member — Amy Minich — and one retired union member — Daniel “Dan” Kinate — have filed to run for Missouri House of Representatives District 8 and District 16.
OSHA Releases 2026 Heat-Hazard Policy, Eliminates Inspection Goal
NATIONAL — A new federal policy under the Department of Labor (DOL), which went into effect on April 10 has left union and labor organizations across the United States to release statements on the impacts they believe this new policy will have on their communities, respectively.
OSHA Releases 2026 Heat-Hazard Policy, Eliminates Inspection Goal
NATIONAL — A new federal policy under the Department of Labor (DOL), which went into effect on April 10 has left union and labor organizations across the United States to release statements on the impacts they believe this new policy will have on their communities, respectively.
Kansas Home in Need Receives Restoration Through IUPAT DC 3 Community Outreach
KANSAS CITY, Kan. — 70-year-old Kansas City, Kan. resident Henry Rodriquez had not had his house painted in at least 50 years, which is what sparked his sister Josephine Aguirre to reach out to IUPAT DC 3 to inquire about its community outreach services.
NLRB Reaches Quorum with New Appointments, Retains 2 Vacancies
NATIONAL — After a seven-month vacancy, on March 26, U.S. President Donald Trump appointed James Murphy as the chair of the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB). Murphy was initially sworn in as a board member in January, but two months later, he replaced former Chairman Marvin Kaplan, whose term expired in August 2025.
IBEW Local 124 Journeyman Assists Non-Union Electrician Following 277-volt Jobsite Shock
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — While working on a contracted project for the Kansas City International Airport (MCI) on Thursday, April 16, IBEW Local 124 members — including Journeyman Wireman Chuck Bryant — assisted an electrician with Sunshine Lighting Company after he was shocked and stuck while changing a 277-volt light.
Phase One Construction Begins on Bly Road Data Center, Arco Negotiates with Building Trades on Harmony Agreement
INDEPENDENCE, Mo. — The Amsterdam Artificial Intelligence (AI) Conglomerate, Nebius Group, N.V., has begun construction on Phase One of its 10-phase, over two million square-foot, 800 megawatt data center located just off Bly Road — with future phases planned for the corner of Missouri Route 78 and Little Blue Parkway — in Independence, Mo. Nebius purchased and acquired the nearly 400 acres, which will house the four building AI factory campus in December 2025 from North Point Development and...
Golden Girls Spinoff Puts UAW Local 249 Retiree in the Limelight
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — UAW Local 249 Retiree Patricia Stoufer believes that writing is her gift. Stoufer began putting pen to paper in 2012. However, she shared that she knew she always had an inkling to write. Stoufer first pursued a career with UAW Local 249 at the Ford Motor Company Assembly Plant in Claycomo, Mo., where she worked for 32 and a half years, and it was then when she wrote her first TV series in 2012.
Search and Rescue
In a matter of hours on Wednesday, Feb. 4, The Washington Post — a newspaper founded in 1877 by Stilson Hutchins, also known as the oldest and largest daily news publication in Washington D.C. — announced a series of newsroom layoffs with direct impacts to its sports, news and international sections. In this, the layoffs are rumored to lead to a gutting of its sports and photojournalist departments, totalling a firing upwards of 300 of its 800 staffers, diminishing the newsroom size by 30%.
“MCPL Workers United” Launches, Joins CWA Local 6360
INDEPENDENCE, Mo. — An 18 mph wind speed at 11:30 a.m., Friday, March 27 did not stop Mid-Continent Public Library (MCPL) workers, elected officials and community supporters from gathering outside its North Independence Branch for the launch of its union “MCPL Workers United” and merge with the Communication Workers of America (CWA) Local 6360.
UAW Local 31 Stands Up with Fired Emotiv Workers
KANSAS CITY, Kan. — With the slogan, “Saving the American Dream,” UAW Local 31 members and various community supporters gathered in solidarity on Tuesday, March 17 to draw attention toward Emotiv Mobility’s recent layoffs of three women of color — one of which occurred on March 17. Emotiv Mobility — a third party logistics and assembly provider for the automotive and emergency medical services industries, according to its website — located in Kansas City, Kan.
NICE Program Coordinator Receives Connection to Success Inspiration Award
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — On Feb. 26, National Institute for Construction Excellence (NICE) Program Coordinator Tina Shonk-Little received Connection to Success’s — a nonprofit with a mission to connect, empower and strengthen individuals and communities across Kansas City and St. Louis, respectfully, according to its website — “Honored Inspiration Award” at its eighth annual “Tribute to Success” luncheon.
IUPAT DC 3 Secures Campaign of the Year
RAYTOWN, Mo. — The week of Feb.
Labor Recognizes, Celebrates Women’s History Month
NATIONAL — The third month of the year serves as a celebration and honoration of women’s contributions nationwide, marking 2026 as the 39th month-long commemoration. Women’s History Month, which got its name from a 1987 legislative branch — who passed resolution 101 Statue 99, leading 40th United States President Ronald Reagan to issue Proclamation 5619 — solidifying March ‘87 as the first Women’s History Month in observance.
Plumbers Local 8 Hosts DNC Chair
NATIONAL — On Friday, Feb. 6, Democratic National Committee Chair (DNC) Ken Martin traveled from Washington D.C. to Kansas City, Mo., where he met apprentices and participated in a round table conversation between union members, elected officials and veterans at Plumbers Local 8.
Local AFL-CIO, Working Familys’ Friend Partner to Host Inaugural “Solidarity Showdown”
KANSAS CITY Metro. — The Kansas City Federation of Labor AFL-CIO along with Working Familys’ Friend have partnered to host what will be the inaugural “Solidarity Showdown” in November 2026 at Memorial Hall in Kansas City, Kan. This union-centric fundraiser will provide a ring for participating boxers to face off, while also offering a space for the union community to gather and practice solidarity in action.
Where Will the Boys in Blue Play Ball in 2031? Kansas City Seeks Answers
TRUMAN SPORTS COMPLEX — An uncertain future looms at Truman Sports Complex near Interstate-70 and Blue Ridge Cutoff as a location, which has served as the home to Kansas City, Mo., professional sports teams for the past five decades, now faces its NFL team’s departure to Kansas, and while conversation continues, indecision remains from its parking lot counterpart.
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