NKLC LogoNorthern Kentucky Labor Council

About Us

The Northern Kentucky Labor Council (AFL-CIO) is a regional coalition of labor unions serving the communities just south of Cincinnati. As one of nearly 500 state and local labor councils chartered by the AFL-CIO nationwide, we unite dozens of affiliated unions to advocate for fair wages, safe working conditions, and social and economic justice for all workers. The Council's storied history predates our charter on March 14, 1961, with a proud tradition of supporting organizing drives, fighting anti-union legislation, and mobilizing for worker rights in Covington, Newport, and surrounding communities.


Today, the Council is “the heart of the labor movement” in Northern Kentucky, bringing together union members from manufacturing, construction, communications, transportation, public sector, and service industries. We amplify labor’s voice, advocate for pro-worker policies, support strikes and organizing campaigns, and sponsor community initiatives that benefit working families.

Leadership Team

Tim DonoghueTim DonoghuePresident

Veteran union leader, CWA Local 4400 President, AFL-CIO Executive Board member, and outspoken advocate for labor rights.

Wayne MyersWayne MyersSecretary-Treasurer

IBEW Local 212 Electrician, decades of experience in the building trades, fully dedicated to union solidarity and financial stewardship.

Tara PurnhagenTara PurnhagenVice President

United Steelworkers 832 member, dedicated to advocating for worker rights and improving labor conditions.

Laural BishopLaural BishopRecording Secretary

A member of SEIU 541, committed to advocating for worker rights and improving labor conditions.

Council officers are democratically elected by delegates from affiliated unions, in line with the AFL-CIO’s governance model.

Affiliated Unions & Partnerships

American Federation of Government Employees Local 616American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Local 237American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Local 286International Association of Heat and Frost Insulators and Allied Workers Local 8Amalgamated Transit Union Local 628International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers Local 23Communications Workers of America Local 4400International Association of Fire Fighters Local 38International Association of Fire Fighters Local 45International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers Local Lodge 804International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees Local 5International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 212International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 1347International Association of Bridge, Structural, Ornamental and Reinforcing Iron Workers Local 44International Union of Elevator Constructors Local 11International Union of Operating Engineers Local 18International Union of Painters and Allied Trades District Council 6Laborers' International Union of North America Local 265Office and Professional Employees International Union Local 277Service Employees International Union Local 541Sheet Metal Workers International Association Local 24United Association of Journeymen and Apprentices of the Plumbing and Pipe Fitting Industry Local 392United Food and Commercial Workers Local 75United Steelworkers Local 832

The Council is officially chartered by the AFL-CIO and partners with the Kentucky State AFL-CIO, Cincinnati AFL-CIO Labor Council, and community organizations to advance workers’ rights and social justice.

Service Area

Serving Boone, Bracken, Campbell, Carroll, Gallatin, Grant, Kenton, Pendleton, Robertson & Trimble counties.Service Area Map Placeholder