There was a time in American history when union membership was subversive and dangerous. Workdays were long, weekends were nonexistent and children worked on unsafe factory floors. Managers could hire, fire and change working conditions with no regard for their employees. Unionists were beaten and even killed for daring to suggest that workers banding together could build the power to force change.
But workers and labor activists persisted and persevered. They showed that solidarity with one another could move mountains. The labor movement gave us many rights we may take for granted today: child labor laws, minimum wage, weekends, wage scales, benefits, workplace safety standards and more.
For more than 130 years, our nation has observed Labor Day on the first Monday in September to honor and celebrate this history and the wins our forebearers fought for with their whole bodies. Together, all across the country, we take the day to commemorate the contributions of working people and recognize the social and economic achievements of our movement.
Labor Day is a holiday to honor workers – but it's also much more. It's a call to action to demand the dignity and opportunity that we all deserve. It's an opportunity to recommit ourselves to lifting up our communities and strengthening the economy in ways that support all of us, rather than a few at the top.
We have come a long way, but union members continue to fight for a living wage, health insurance that we can actually use, and safety in our workplaces. We may not see children on factory floors anymore, but far too many workers are still hurt on the job in preventable ways. Labor Day reminds us that we are never alone in these fights. Our union siblings stand with us, uplift us and believe in us.
This Labor Day, in the midst of back-to-school preparations and the whirlwind of the end of summer, take a moment to honor yourself. As a union member, you are part of a long, illustrious history of freedom fighters. When you attend your chapter meetings, encourage your coworkers to join OSEA or take on a leadership role to make a difference in our union, you are continuing the work of those that came before us. You are part of something so much bigger and older than yourself.
Thank you for your commitment to your fellow workers. Thank you for showing up and thank you for being here.