Columbia Union Employees Rally for Higher Living Wages

Workers demand $19 per hour minimum as contract negotiations loom

Published on Feb. 6, 2026

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A group of union workers in Columbia, Missouri, including employees from the University of Missouri, MU Health Care, and the City of Columbia, held a rally on Friday to advocate for a $19 per hour living wage ahead of upcoming contract negotiations. The workers are represented by the LiUNA Local 955 union.

Why it matters

As the cost of living continues to rise, low-wage workers are increasingly struggling to make ends meet. This rally highlights the growing push by labor unions to secure higher minimum wages and better benefits for essential workers who have played a critical role during the pandemic.

The details

The rally was organized by the LiUNA Local 955 union, which represents the Columbia-area workers. The union is demanding a $19 per hour living wage for its members employed by the University of Missouri, MU Health Care, and the City of Columbia. A spokesperson for the university acknowledged the upcoming contract negotiations and stated that university leaders are committed to discussing competitive compensation rates with employee groups.

  • The rally was held on Friday, February 6, 2026.

The players

LiUNA Local 955

The labor union representing the Columbia-area workers who participated in the rally.

University of Missouri

One of the employers whose workers are represented by LiUNA Local 955 and are seeking higher wages.

MU Health Care

One of the employers whose workers are represented by LiUNA Local 955 and are seeking higher wages.

City of Columbia

One of the employers whose workers are represented by LiUNA Local 955 and are seeking higher wages.

Travis Zimpfer

A spokesperson for the University of Missouri who commented on the upcoming contract negotiations.

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What they’re saying

“University leaders are committed to continuing discussions with employee groups regarding competitive compensation rates for their work.”

— Travis Zimpfer, University of Missouri Spokesperson (abc17news.com)

What’s next

The upcoming contract negotiations between the LiUNA Local 955 union and the University of Missouri, MU Health Care, and the City of Columbia will determine whether the workers' demand for a $19 per hour living wage is met.

The takeaway

This rally underscores the growing pressure on employers to provide living wages and better benefits for essential workers, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. The outcome of these contract negotiations could set an important precedent for labor rights and economic justice in the Columbia area.