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Dear Colleague on Labor Day

September 5, 2022

Dear Democratic Colleague,

Happy Labor Day! On this day, September 5th, 140 years ago, at the crescendo of the Industrial Revolution, 10,000 courageous workers took to the streets of New York City in what would become the very first Labor Day Parade. With the stroke of President Cleveland's pen twelve years later, our nation established a federal holiday to pay tribute to the hard-working men and women who make up the foundation of America's strength and prosperity.

Today, our nation is witnessing a renaissance of organized labor. From warehouses to coffeeshops, a wave of unionization is sweeping across the country: workers standing in solidarity to fight for the just wages, fair benefits and dignity in the workplace. Meanwhile, recent Gallup polling shows that support for labor unions is historically strong with a 71 percent approval rate – the highest mark in nearly six decades. And according to a new report by Jobcase, seven in ten workers would consider joining a union if given the chance.

Democrats know that the middle class is the backbone of our Democracy – and the middle class has a union label on it. Under the leadership of the most pro-union President in history, Joe Biden, House Democrats have continued our work to support this groundswell:

  • Creating millions of good-paying, union-protected jobs with our American Rescue Plan, Infrastructure Law, CHIPS and Science Act and Inflation Reduction Act.
  • Strengtheningpension plans with our Butch Lewis Act, slashing health care costs for Medicare beneficiaries and defending Social Security from relentless right-wing attacks – so that, after a lifetime of hard work, every American can enjoy the secure retirement they have earned.
  • Supporting the unionization of Congressional offices, so our hard-working staff can enjoy the same fundamental rights and protections as workers all across the country.
  • Fighting to enact the House-passed Richard L. Trumka PRO Act, which breaks down barriers to help workers fight for a fairer workplace.

Sadly, our colleagues across the aisle have voted overwhelmingly against every single pro-worker action this Congress. We must be sure to communicate this stark contrast with our constituents so that the American people Remember in November.

Thank you for your continued support for America's labor movement, as we fight together to put People Over Politics.

NANCY