Happy Labor Day!
Today on Labor Day I want to take a moment to say thank you for the work you do. Most of you are probably spending time with your families and friends today. But some of you are on the job, doing the work you do so well to make our communities safer and healthier.
Labor Day is the one day each year our nation sets aside to honor workers—a day of rest in recognition of the sacrifices you make day in and day out providing for your families and keeping our government working for everyone.
The holiday also gives us an opportunity to think about what a union is – working people standing together. Our union gives us a seat at the table to negotiate fair wages and benefits. By exercising those rights, we become a part of a larger labor movement that has made important and historic contributions to American life including the 40-hr. work week, sick leave, vacations and safer working conditions.
The men and women of organized labor have always understood that fair wages and benefits in exchange for hard work and dedication constitute the foundation of a decent society. The UC Berkeley Labor Center reports that workers covered by a union contract in California earn an average of 12.9 percent more than non-union workers with similar demographic characteristics and working in similar industries. You can read the report here.
With higher incomes and greater access to benefits, union families are less likely to rely on the public safety net to meet their basic needs. Equally important, the higher wage standard impacts pay in non-union workplaces so the power of working families becomes a tide that lifts all boats.
Public sector unions like ours are leading the way in a resurgence of union membership. That’s an important contribution to our country’s well-being.
What’s even more special is that we all know what you and your co-workers do on the job is done for every American, for those in your home, on your block, in your city, in this state, and all across our land. I know you don’t hear the words "thank you" enough—not from your employers or from the public you serve. So today, I wanted to say happy Labor Day. And THANK YOU!
Publication Date: September 2, 2019
