[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 106 (Friday, June 20, 2025)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E592]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    RECOGNIZING REGINALD L. THOMAS FOR HIS DISTINGUISHED SERVICE TO 
              LABORERS LOCAL 264 AND THE MISSOURI AFL-CIO

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. EMANUEL CLEAVER

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, June 20, 2025

  Mr. CLEAVER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a steadfast 
leader, a tireless advocate, and a committed public servant, Mr. 
Reginald L. Thomas, who has dedicated his time to improving the lives 
of workers in Missouri's Fifth Congressional District and throughout 
the state. As Mr. Thomas steps down from his roles as Vice President of 
the Missouri AFL-CIO and Business Manager of Laborers Local 264, a 
position he held for more than 15 years, let us celebrate the work he 
has done to defend workers' rights, raise workplace standards, and 
expand union access across numerous industries.
  Mr. Thomas began his career in the labor movement with Laborers Local 
264 in May 1996, earning promotions to Laborer Foreman and Crew 
Supervisor. In these positions, he was responsible for managing job-
site teams, ensuring safety compliance, and overseeing the timely and 
effective completion of construction projects. In April 1999, Mr. 
Thomas was appointed Secretary-Treasurer of Local 264, where he managed 
financial operations, enforced fiscal accountability, and ensured 
resources were directed toward member support and workforce 
development. He then went on to serve as Assistant Business Manager and 
Field Representative, where he coordinated grievance procedures, 
negotiated collective bargaining agreements, and advocated for safer 
job conditions on behalf of the local membership. These roles prepared 
him well for his election as Business Manager of Laborers Local 264 in 
February 2010, a position he held for over a decade.
  As Business Manager, Mr. Thomas spearheaded numerous initiatives to 
empower union members, improve labor protections, and expand job 
opportunities. He worked to create training partnerships with local 
school districts and technical colleges, building pre-apprentice and 
apprenticeship programs aimed at opening doors for young people to 
enter family-supporting careers in construction and skilled trades.
  Throughout his career, Mr. Thomas has demonstrated strong leadership 
and an unwavering commitment to the labor movement, and his 
contributions have not gone unnoticed. In 2016, he received the Lillian 
L. McKittrick Labor Advocacy Award from the NAACP, an honor named in 
memory of Lillian L. McKittrick, a lifelong advocate for the rights of 
minorities and women. Having worked for many years in the garment 
industry, McKittrick witnessed firsthand the need for reform within the 
labor movement. This honor recognizes individuals who have shown 
outstanding dedication to labor advocacy while advancing the broader 
goals of civil rights and economic justice. In 2019, Reggie was named 
Labor's Representative of the Year by the Labor's Educational & 
Political Club Independent in recognition of his effectiveness in 
organizing, legislative engagement, and grassroots mobilization. These 
accolades reflect the tangible, community-level impact of Mr. Thomas' 
contributions toward creating more equitable hiring practices, greater 
workplace protections, and a stronger pipeline for economic mobility.
  Beyond the state of Missouri, Mr. Thomas' voice has been heard across 
the country. As Special International Representative for the Laborers 
International Union of North America and Vice President of the Missouri 
AFI-CIO, he played a major role in supporting national labor efforts. 
These included advocacy for the expansion of wage protections, along 
with infrastructure-investment legislation such as the Bipartisan 
Infrastructure Law. Mr. Thomas was also a vocal proponent of pro-labor 
reforms to the National Labor Regulation Act, aligning Missouri's 
agenda with national priorities.
  Mr. Thomas' service is not only defined by awards and titles, but by 
the lasting impact of his work. He forged partnerships between unions 
and civic groups and strengthened the role of labor in addressing 
housing, healthcare, and education challenges. Additionally, he led 
efforts to remove systemic barriers to union jobs for communities of 
color and championed a public education campaign on the economic and 
social benefits of organized labor.
  Now, as Secretary-Treasurer of the Greater Kansas City AFL-CIO, Mr. 
Thomas continues to provide leadership and vision for the future. Those 
who have worked with Reggie know him as a man of principle, integrity, 
and resolve. He is respected by colleagues, union members, and public 
officials alike. His legacy includes not only stronger institutions but 
a more empowered, united labor force in Missouri and beyond.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me today in recognizing and 
thanking Mr. Reginald L. Thomas for his years of extraordinary service 
to the American labor movement. As he begins this new chapter, we 
celebrate his legacy of progress and look forward to the continued 
impact he will have in building a more equitable and empowered 
workforce for Missouri and beyond.

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