Labor rights, human rights: Rallies draw hundreds to Statehouse
Ann Marie Bush/KNEA
Hundreds of people from across Kansas attended the Human Needs Are Human Rights rally on Wednesday, Jan. 14, at the Statehouse in Topeka.
By Ann Marie Bush
KNEA Communications Director
Hundreds of Kansans rallied at the Statehouse Wednesday to demand labor rights and legislation that puts people over politics. Among them were more than a dozen Kansas National Education Association (KNEA) members standing in solidarity.
The first-floor rotunda was standing-room only as workers wearing union shirts gathered for the Solidarity at the Statehouse rally. Speakers included John Nave, Executive Vice President of Kansas AFL-CIO; Jake Lowen, Executive Secretary-Treasurer for Kansas AFL-CIO; and Gov. Laura Kelly.
“Even when we disagree, we say we’ll be back,” Nave told the crowd. “It’s all about the relationships. Bridging the Divide was our theme - we have to work together. Building relationships is a key that has been successful. Labor stands shoulder to shoulder.”
Nave pledges to make next year’s rally even bigger.
“I told our members today in closing that we are going to continue to fill this place,” he said. “I want to send a message at the very beginning of the session.”
Kelly emphasized her administration’s commitment to workers, ensuring labor has a seat at the table and prioritizing economic opportunities.
Lowen referred to the Statehouse as the “house that labor built,” noting that at least seven workers lost their lives during the 37 years it took to construct the building. In 1890 - the same year the Statehouse dome was raised - workers formed the Kansas State Federation of Labor.
While the Statehouse can feel like a place for “fancy people” in suits, it belongs to everyone, Lowen told the crowd.
“Public schools prepare young people not just for jobs, but for citizenship – for listening, questioning, and caring about one another. They are places where we practice democracy together.”
“This is your house,” he said. “This is your state.”
Nave stressed that working with all legislators is critical.
“My goal is to not only get a hearing, but to get it out of committee and get it on the House or Senate floor,” he said. “The end goal is to get it to the governor’s desk.”
Later, the focus shifted to the second-floor rotunda for the Human Needs are Human Rights rally, where KNEA member Angie Powers delivered a passionate message.
“Most people believe human needs are human rights,” Powers said. “These are messages that cut across all party lines.”
For 25 years, Powers has helped students and educators find their voices.
“A great public school welcomes every student,” Powers said during her speech. “Brown and black students. Students with disabilities. Students from immigrant families. Queer students. Students discovering who they are, and who they are becoming.”
Great public schools invest in people, she said.
“When a student is hungry, we feed them. When a student is struggling, or a family has a need, we connect them with support,” Powers said. “Public schools prepare young people not just for jobs, but for citizenship – for listening, questioning, and caring about one another. They are places where we practice democracy together. Public schools are promises we make to one another – that every student belongs, every education worker is respected, and the future is something we build together.”
Ann Marie Bush can be reached by email at ann.bush@knea.org.