Bricklayers Union Condemns Missouri State Government’s Attacks on Democracy to Push Anti-Worker Legislation

[Washington, D.C.] — The International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers (BAC) strongly condemns recent efforts by the Missouri state government to undermine democratic participation through a blatant attempt to redraw congressional districts for partisan advantage and push through legislation that would make it harder for everyday citizens to protect their rights through initiative petitions.

These actions – aimed at cementing political power and pushing anti-labor legislation like so-called “Right to Work” (RTW) laws – represent a direct attack on democracy and the fundamental principle of government by the people. 

"These are not the actions of a government that believes in its citizens," said Tim Driscoll, President of the International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers. "Changing the rules when you can’t win is a time-honored tradition among sore losers. In 2018, two-thirds of all voters rejected RTW at the ballot box – overturning a state law signed by Governor Greitens in 2017 – after it was put on the ballot by a citizen initiative petition. Missouri’s right-wing legislature knows that they will lose such a vote again if its people have anything to say about it."

The BAC calls on all elected officials in Missouri to reject these anti-democratic efforts and urges voters, labor organizations, and community allies across the state to remain vigilant and mobilize in defense of their rights. 

“For over a decade, Missouri workers have been fighting back against politicians in Jefferson City who are siding with big business to strip us of our rights,” said BAC Administrative District Council Director Brian Jennewein. “We will continue to fight any attempt to take our democratic and worker rights away. These MAGA politicians know that solidarity of the electorate is the most powerful thing in a democracy, so they are doing what they can in the shadows to suppress us. We will not let that stand.” 

“We stand in solidarity with Missouri workers who are standing up against MAGA legislators who have forgotten they work for the voters and not greedy corporations that want RTW and other anti-labor laws,” President Driscoll concluded. “In a democracy, all people are entitled to meaningful participation, and a government that works for everyone—not just the powerful few.”