AT WORK: LABOR UNIONS STRIVE TO IMPROVE IMAGE

Local organized labor is working to improve its image.

The issues of labor have changed over the years, but officials say organized labor is here to stay.

Two local organizations are working to improve the reputation of unions. In interviews prior to the start of this Labor Day weekend, representatives of those organizations and others discussed the roles of organized labor and management.

The Cape Girardeau Central Trades and Labor Council is made up of representatives of all the labor unions active locally, said Jim May, president of the organization.

"We discuss what's going on in all the different organizations, any problems they might have and what anyone can do to help," said May.

The organization also makes educational programs ranging from counseling to credit advice available to unions.

Also active in local union issues is the Southeast Missouri Area Labor Management Co-Op Committee. The organization brings together representatives from management and organized labor to discuss issues before problems arise.

Alan Gregory, owner of Gregory Construction Inc., of Jackson, is management co-chairman of the committee. Johnny Ray Conklin, executive secretary-treasurer of the SEMO District Council of Carpenters, is labor co-chairman of the committee.

Conklin said: "When labor first came about, the big things they were striving for were eight-hour days and 40-hour work weeks, a fair wage and a uniform wage. Today those things, for the most part, are law."

But labor unions have new issues to address.

"Improving the image of organized labor is one of the main things," Conklin said. "In many cases, I think we have a Jimmy-Hoffa-type image one bad apple makes you look at the whole barrel."

Gregory said: "A lot of unions realize that they have a bad image not that it's deserved and are wanting to improve it. We are seeing more labor leaders involved in things like the Chamber of Commerce and more community and service-oriented activities."

May said: "I feel that a lot of times unions get a bad rap. Often all you hear about are strikes and problems. Unions do a lot of good things too."

Unions award scholarships and donate time and money to charity. "We also work on the United Way campaign," May said. Labor members coach Little League teams.

Conklin said: "We've always had a stand-offish appearance in the community. But labor people live in the community, they own houses and go to church. We are urging our members to be just as active in community and civic affairs as other professions: bankers and business owners."

Conklin said another way to improve the image of organized labor is to clearly define what unions have to offer both members and management.

May said health care and insurance costs are top issues for union members. "But I think its a top priority with everyone," he said.

Conklin said, "We are working to preserve the integrity of unions, and in a way to protect our turf by letting everyone know union members are hardworking craftsmen.

"Management pays a little more for union labor, so they have got to know they are getting something extra for their money."

Gregory agreed: "Gregory Construction has a contract with labor unions because we want to. Working with unions guarantees qualified workmen for our jobs.

"Since our needs vary, tomorrow we could need 30 people for a particular job. We can call whichever craft we need and have 30 qualified people on our job tomorrow. Without the unions, where would you find 30 qualified crane operators or carpenters?"

The path between organized labor and management is not always smooth.

"But I think the general public has a misconception of labor unions," Conklin said. "There are really very few strikes, and anyone who wants a strike is a damn fool. Strikes hurt everyone. I preach against strikes. We need to settle our differences at the bargaining table.

"The labor-management committee brings people together so they don't have strikes. If someone is unhappy, a lot of times just sitting down and talking about it can make the difference."

Gregory said: "The committee exists to try to promote a better labor and management image amongst the community. The goal is to get management and labor together to talk to solve things before they become problems."

Also, he said management and labor often have similar concerns.

"For example, the health-insurance and health-care costs are a problem we're both working on. There is no sense reinventing the wheel; we can learn from each other."

In the past, organized labor and management often worked against one another. Conklin said, "If labor had a problem they didn't want management to know; if management was losing money they didn't want labor to know."

Now, labor and management are increasingly working together.

"We both realize the consumer is the most important person," said Conklin. "We have to work together to make a product the consumer wants and is happy with. If the project is losing money, we can all talk about it and maybe figure out what to do."

Gregory said the committee only works when both management and labor are represented.

"We can't interfere with any of the bargaining," Gregory said. "That's not our purpose; we just try to get people together to talk."

The committee has been in existence about two years. It was created through a federal grant that was extended a second year. But Gregory said the money runs out at the end of September.

"We're going through a transition period," said Gregory. "We've been federally funded and now we will be only privately funded."

Conklin said: "We really in the last few weeks have been trying to kick things into gear. I'm feeling real positive about what can happen. Southeast Missouri is a great area for things to expand and we want to be a part of it."