Labor Partnerships

Labor Partnerships

For more than 80 years, United Way and the AFL-CIO come together with a shared purpose: support working families, strengthen neighborhoods, and respond when our communities need us most.

Through service projects, workforce initiatives, apprenticeship opportunities, disaster response, and community outreach, labor liaisons show that solidarity extends far beyond the workplace—bringing unions, retirees, apprentices, students, veterans, and volunteers together to make a measurable impact across our region.

United in Service

Throughout the year, labor liaisons help coordinate outreach and engagement efforts with:

Missouri AFL-CIO – MWI (BUD) Pre-Apprenticeship Programs.
St. Louis Central Labor Council
Southwestern Illinois Central Labor Council
Greater Madison County Federation of Labor
St. Louis Building & Construction Trades Council
Southwestern Illinois Building & Construction Trades Council
Local unions, retiree clubs, apprenticeship programs, and labor advocates throughout the region

Together, these partnerships amplified the mission of labor and United Way through volunteerism, advocacy, emergency support, workforce development, and direct assistance to union families.

Unite with your union brothers and sisters in supporting United Way with a gift today.

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Creating Opportunity & Stability

Connecting people to pathways that build stronger futures:

Union apprenticeship programs
Skilled trades representatives
Public sector employees
Contractors and workforce partners
Veteran organizations
High school career programs
Community colleges and training providers

Assistance for Working Families

Providing support when families need it most:

Emergency utility and housing assistance
Food support and community resource referrals
Disaster response and recovery support
Transportation assistance and family stabilization
Direct access to 150+ United Way safety net agencies offering vital support for working individuals and families

Strengthening Communities

Bringing resources and care directly into neighborhoods:

Health and wellness fairs, screenings, and education
Family resource referrals
Mental health resources
Veteran services and community outreach
Volunteer efforts and neighborhood support
UCAN Training

A speaker stands at the front of a classroom, addressing a seated audience. On the wall is a presentation slide titled "Coalition of Labor Union Women." AFL-CIO and United Way banners are visible, highlighting various volunteer opportunities. The audience members are engaged and taking notes diligently.

Building Union Diversity (BUD) Program

The BUD program is dedicated to connecting St. Louis metropolitan residents with the growing opportunities for living wage employment in construction and manufacturing. BUD is also helping to address the growing need in the trade unions for a skilled and more inclusive workforce.

This program includes union pre-apprenticeship classes spanning from five to six weeks, providing pre-apprentices with the opportunity to visit local trade unions to receive hands-on basic training while obtaining an understanding of each of these trades. For more information about the BUD Program, click here.

Fundraising Together

Labor and United Way come together annually to support working families through collective giving and shared commitment across the region.

Union members and supporters invest in their communities and in one another through:

Annual Community Campaign and payroll contributions
Labor-led fundraising events, including the Trap Shoot & BBQ
Grassroots efforts such as passing the hat at union meetings

This work is more than fundraising—it reflects the relationships, trust, and solidarity that define the labor community and its commitment to helping families thrive.

A person stands in front of a blue canopy tent with a sign reading "Labor and United Way, Helping People." The background features open grass and a clear sky. Nearby are chairs, orange buckets, and coolers.

Direct Assist Program

Union members who are experiencing financial difficulties may be eligible for basic needs help through this program. Union members can contact the United Way Labor Help Line at 314-539-4189 for aid with utility payments, food, counseling, and other non-work-related issues. Please contact an Illinois labor liaison team member below if you live in one of the IL counties served by United Way of Greater Saint Louis or if your local labor union is based in the area.

The United Way Labor Liaison may ask the individual to confirm their union membership. Once needs are assessed, the Labor Liaison will research available resources and determine whether assistance is needed from the funds available. If assistance is appropriate, the Labor Liaison will request a payment from available funding made directly to the union member’s mortgage company, landlord or utility companies, etc. to prevent further action.

Contact Labor Staff

Sonja Gholston-Byrd (CWA)

Vice President, Labor Engagement
314-539-4192
United Way of Greater St. Louis
901 North 11th Street
St. Louis, MO 63101

Email Sonja

Rose McCowan (CWA)

Director, Labor Engagement
314-539-4191
United Way of Greater St. Louis
910 N. 11th Street
St. Louis, MO 63101

Email Rose

Terry Knoth (IAM)

Senior Labor Representative, Labor Engagement
618-233-8441
South Illinois Division
1124 Hartman Lane
Shiloh, IL 62221

Email Terry

Nick Dodson (UA)

AFL-CIO Labor Liaison, Labor Engagement
618-258-9800
North Illinois Division
707 Berkshire, Suite 270
East Alton, IL 62024

Email Nick

Anna Brown (UMWA)

AFL-CIO Labor Liaison, Labor Engagement
618-512-4453
North Illinois Division
707 Berkshire, Suite 270
East Alton, IL 62024

Email Anna

Making a Difference

In partnership with United Way, unions and their members provide their time, expertise, and resources to improve the community and enable individuals to live their best possible lives. Labor leaders serve on the United Way Executive Board, Regional Auxiliary Boards and Allocation Committees, as well as coordinate community service projects and volunteer at many of our United Way agencies.

Stronger Together

Through the partnership of United Way of Greater St. Louis with the St. Louis Labor Council, Madison County Federation of Labor and Southwestern Illinois Central Labor Council, AFL-CIO, more than 600 families receive confidential help each year from the United Way staff of Labor Liaisons. Help is just a phone call away for union members who seek guidance and referral to labor and community resources.