St. Joseph, MO – The Northwest Missouri Labor Council has elected Zack Dunn as President and Daniel Robinson as Vice President, ushering in a new era of leadership focused on rebuilding worker power and strengthening the voice of organized labor across Northwest Missouri.
The Northwest Missouri Labor Council, an affiliate of the Missouri AFL-CIO, represents union members across eleven counties. The Council brings together labor unions, trade organizations, and community allies who collectively advocate for fair wages, strong benefits, and the dignity of work.
The replacement comes after the tragic loss of Mike Veale, who served as President of the Northwest Missouri Labor Council for the last 11 years. “Mike was a courageous leader who stood shoulder to shoulder with members of the community. He never hesitated to jump in and offer his help whenever the need arose. Mike was a kind man and a strong leader,” said Jake Hummel, President of the Missouri AFL-CIO. “Mike has left big shoes to fill and I’m confident Zack’s leadership will carry that commitment forward.”
For decades, the Labor Council has served as a bridge between local unions and the broader community, ensuring that working families have a seat at the table. Now, under new leadership, the organization is setting a bold course to revitalize that mission.
Zack Dunn, the newly elected President, currently serves as Government Affairs Director for the Missouri and Kansas Laborers District Council of the Laborers’ International Union of North America (LIUNA). A Savannah, Missouri native, Dunn began his career in 2018 as Regional Field Director during Missouri’s historic campaign to defeat “right-to-work” legislation. Under his leadership, Northwest Missouri became a model for labor mobilization by organizing 200 volunteers who knocked over 15,000 doors and delivered victories in 16 of 17 counties on Election Day.
“This is about rebuilding strength from the ground up,” said Dunn. “Northwest Missouri has always had a proud union history. From the men and women who built our roads, bridges, and schools to the workers who keep our communities running today. We’re going to honor that legacy by building an organization that fights for all working people, union and non-union alike.”
“Our goal is to make sure the words Union Strong mean something in every town across Northwest Missouri,” Dunn added. “We will unite labor, strengthen partnerships, and remind everyone that when workers stand together, communities thrive.”
Daniel Robinson, the newly elected Vice President, has been a proud member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) for 30 years. After completing his five-year apprenticeship, Robinson worked as a journeyman electrician before serving three years on his local executive board and later being elected as Business Manager of IBEW Local 545 in 2019. A resident of Faucett, Missouri, Robinson has dedicated his career to advocating for the rights and safety of working people.
“Rebuilding the labor movement will help raise wages and benefits for all workers, reduce economic inequality, and improve workplace stability,” said Robinson. “This country was built on the backs of working men and women, and it’s up to us to make sure that legacy continues. The working class deserves every ounce of support we can give.”
The Northwest Missouri Labor Council’s new leadership aims to reestablish the council as a driving force for progress by connecting labor unions, local leaders, and communities in a shared mission: to strengthen the region by empowering its workers.
