Owensboro Council of Labor, AFL CIO

01/16/2026

As the legislative session gets underway, we’re tracking the bills that affect working people across Kentucky.

Early this session, Rep. Nima Kulkarni filed several bills that put working people’s priorities on the table—including HB 210 on wage transparency in job postings, HB 208 on workplace safety and emergency action plans, and HB 207 to allow a state income tax deduction for union dues.

This is what it looks like when workers’ issues are part of the conversation from the start of session. We’ll continue tracking how these, and all worker-related bills, move through the process.

01/05/2026

The 2026 legislative session begins tomorrow, and public access to the lawmaking process will be more limited than usual.

With the Capitol closed for renovation, the House and Senate will meet in temporary chambers without public galleries, meaning Kentuckians won’t be able to sit in the room and observe proceedings in person.

When access is harder, transparency and accountability matter even more.

To stay in the loop and get important updates on what’s happening at the Capitol, text KYWORK to 235246.

01/01/2026

12/17/2025

Having one of our own elected by a large margin to the KY State Senate shows the hunger for working class candidates is on the rise! Congratulations Gary we look forward to your voice in Frankfort!

Kentucky just showed what’s possible. Gary Clemons, a union member, veteran, and Democrat just won a State Senate seat.

This was powered by working people knocking doors, talking to neighbors, and showing up for each other. Support rolled in from union members across the country, because solidarity doesn’t stop at state lines.

Leadership doesn’t come from boardrooms—Gary Clemons is a steelworker, and his leadership was forged on the job and powered by working people across Kentucky and the country.

We didn’t wait for permission. We organized. And we won. To everyone who stood with us: this is how we move forward—together. Let’s keep the momentum going.

12/15/2025

Stand With Rainbow Blossom Workers 🌈✊

Workers at Rainbow Blossom’s Gardiner Lane store in Louisville organized a union two years ago to improve their jobs and better serve their community. After 18 months at the bargaining table, they’re still fighting for a fair first contract.

The workers are asking for what every worker deserves:
• Reasonable wage increases
• Due process protections, so no one can be disciplined or fired unfairly

Rainbow Blossom’s own mission says it aims to improve quality of life for workers and the community. A fair first contract is how those values become real.

Take action: Stand with Rainbow Blossom workers and call on the company to agree to a fair first union contract.

👉 Sign here: https://shorturl.at/xxyRD

12/01/2025

Due to potential inclimate weather concerns tonight's CLC meeting will be postponed

The reschedule of tonight's CLC meeting will be 12/8/25 at 7:30 PM.

If we are unable to see you before the new year due to the scheduling conflict we hope you all have Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays and a Great New Year!

11/18/2025

Two House Republicans added their names to a discharge petition that will now force a vote on legislation to restore the collective bargaining rights of hundreds of thousands of federal workers targeted by Trump.

11/13/2025

☕ TOMORROW — November 13
Union Starbucks baristas are ready to turn Red Cup Day into the Red Cup Rebellion if Starbucks fails to finalize a fair contract.

With a 92% YES vote, they’ve authorized an Unfair Labor Practice strike to demand: fair pay, enough hours to live on, and an end to hundreds of labor law violations

📢 Don’t cross the picket line.
📢 Don’t buy Starbucks during the strike.
📢 Stand with Starbucks Workers United.

11/11/2025

Today, we honor the veterans who have served our country—and continue to serve our communities every day as union members, public employees, and advocates for working families.

Many veterans find careers in public service, including at the VA, where federal employees—many represented by AFGE—work tirelessly to care for those who served. Protecting their jobs and ensuring they have the resources they need is part of how we honor our veterans year-round.

This Veterans Day, we thank all who have worn the uniform and reaffirm our commitment to defending the dignity, rights, and livelihoods of every worker who served.

11/05/2025

Teamsters Local 89 will be holding a candlelight vigil for those lost, injured or affected by the tragic crash of UPS Flight 2976.

The vigil will take place at our Union Hall on Thursday, November 6th at 5:00 PM.

Local 89’s chaplain will lead those gathered in a prayer, and others will share words of encouragement. All members and community allies are welcome to attend.

11/05/2025

In light of the tragic plane accident earlier this evening at UPS Worldport, we have been notified by the Company that tonight's Next Day Air sort is canceled and members should remain home so that emergency crews can focus on containing the damage. Tomorrow's Second say air sort is currently planned to continue as scheduled, however we advise members to contact their management team for further instructions in case this changes.

The crash occurred after the plane had cleared UPS Worldport where our members work, and while we are thankful that this accident occurred away from the vast majority of our members, our hearts break for those who have been injured or lost their lives. Our thoughts are with our union family in the Independent Pilots Association during this tragic moment.