by Mili Mansaray September 27, 2024, The Beacon. At any given moment in Missouri, a working parent might miss a day’s pay to care for their sick child. New mothers could return to work just days after giving birth to make ends meet, while fast-food workers may skip car payments to cover rent. Labor movement leaders say these harsh workplace realities affect hundreds of thousands of low-wage and hourly workers across the state. That’s why they’re pushing for an increased minimum wage and paid sick leave.