361: Women Speak — UAW Local 249 Retiree Emphasizes Workforce Equal Pay Vitality

On this week’s episode of Women Speak — a segment on Northeast Newscast — hosts Northeast News Editor-in-Chief, Julia Williams and former Missouri House Representative for District 19 Ingrid Burnett sat down with UAW local 249 retiree (Ford Motor Company) Shirley Mata to continue our series on women who influence policy. Throughout this episode, Mata shares her story as a former union worker including activism she has taken part in around the Kansas City metro — including Fight for 15 in a Union. Mata additionally discusses her inspirations and the importance of equal pay for women. Burnett and Williams discuss happenings within the Missouri State House in Jefferson city — including current leadership. At the time this podcast was recorded, Burnett mentioned the role of Minority Floor Leader Ashley Aune who was experiencing a recall of her role within the House. However, following the Missouri House’s return from its legislative spring break session on March 24, Aune’s role was reaffirmed as the Missouri House of Representatives minority floor leader. Additional bills are also discussed including open enrollment. Music used within Women Speak episodes is a song called “Ready to Talk” by Kansas City local artist Honeybee and the group’s lead female vocalist, Makayala Scott. Ready to Talk is off of Honeybee’s first studio extended play (EP) record, “Saturn Return,” which was released in March 2024. Honeybee’s latest single “I Wish I knew You Then,” is now available on its streaming platforms. “I wish I Knew You Then” and additionally Honeybee tracks are available on Spotify, Apple Music, Youtube, TIDAL and Youtube Music. *Disclaimer* Ready to Talk and any future Honeybee songs used by The Northeast News within the Women Speak podcasts are courtesy of and approved by Makalya Scott and Honeybee under proper copyright law. Honeybee songs are not royalty free nor subject to free use and should not be used by additional publications or organizations without proper consent. This podcast as well as all Women Speak episodes are made possible by The Northeast News, Northeast Kansas City Chamber of Commerce and Independence Avenue Community Improvement District.

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361: Women Speak — UAW Local 249 Retiree Emphasizes Workforce Equal Pay Vitality is an episode from Kansas City's Northeast Newscast by Abby Hoover.

This episode is 51:03 long.

This episode was published on Apr 10, 2025.

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