Missouri Jobs with Justice issued a strong statement Thursday following Governor Mike Kehoe’s signing of House Bill 567, which repeals key paid sick leave protections approved by voters under Proposition A. The organization criticized the move as a direct override of the will of the people and a blow to Missouri’s working families.
Proposition A, passed by more than 57% of voters in November 2024, had recently gone into effect, granting workers the right to earn paid sick leave. With the signing of HB 567, that provision has now been eliminated, along with mandates that businesses maintain related compliance and record-keeping.
“Missouri workers do not deserve to see their newly earned paid sick leave stripped away,” said Missouri Jobs with Justice in its statement. “This is an insult not only to working families but also to the democratic process.”
Policy Director Richard Von Glahn emphasized that the original initiative had been upheld unanimously by the Missouri Supreme Court and was already being implemented across the state. He warned that the new law “sets a dangerous precedent for democratic processes” and urged businesses to voluntarily continue paid sick leave policies.
Governor Kehoe’s office did not respond to a June 2 letter from the organization requesting that he view Proposition A as an investment in Missouri’s workforce. The group also criticized the governor for calling a special session to fund stadium subsidies while rolling back worker benefits.
Missouri Jobs with Justice is a coalition of labor, community, and faith-based groups focused on advancing economic and social equity. The organization pledged to continue advocating for policies that protect and empower Missouri workers.
