Friend, all across the country, workers and their unions are demanding better conditions – from the Teamsters at UPS to the United Automobile Workers working the line at the Big Three automakers.

Their brave advocacy and unity should be an inspiration to all of us. Unions are the lifeblood of America – especially in states like Michigan, where so many families owe their financial security to unions.

I come from one of those union families. My mother was a nurse's aide, and she led the charge to unionize her workplace with the Service Employees International Union. Her management once tried to sway her away from her advocacy with a raise, but she refused to quit until every single one of her colleagues received the benefits, protections and raises they deserved. After the employees voted to unionize, they chose my mother as their union steward.

My mother taught me the value of standing up and fighting for your rights – no matter what’s in your way. I've carried her lessons and her legacy with me to Washington, along with stories I've heard from proud union families in Michigan.

I'll continue to support our unions and fight for legislation like the PRO Act to protect workers' right to unionize. But with right-wing radicals pushing anti-worker legislation to weaken our unions, it's up to all of us to stand together – just like my mother and her colleagues did all those years ago.

That's why I'm asking 5,000 people to add their names to my petition before midnight tonight to stand with our unions. Please, friend, whether you come from a union family or not, I'm counting on you to stand with us. Will you add your name to my Protect Unions Petition before midnight tonight to show your support for labor rights?

With immense gratitude,

Gary