|
Dear John,
Happy Labor Day.
This week, we celebrate the many contributions American workers and labor unions have made to improve the workplace and advance economic prosperity across the nation.
As Vice Ranking Member of the House Committee on Education and the Workforce, I am working to strengthen full protections for workers and their families. In July, I co-led the introduction of the Raise the Wage Act, legislation to increase the federal minimum wage to $17 by 2028. This long overdue raise would provide approximately 28 million workers with access to a livable wage. In the Fifth District, 9,000 members of the workforce would see an increase giving them and their families greater financial security.
I once again joined my colleagues in introducing the Richard L. Trumka Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO Act), to empower workers to exercise their right to form a union and create an economy where all can thrive. The bipartisan PRO Act is the most significant upgrade to U.S. labor laws in 80 years. When workers have the power to organize and collectively bargain, they have higher wages, better benefits, and safer working conditions. Approval for labor unions is at record highs, and 70% of hourly workers would vote to join a union if given the chance.
Earlier this year we commemorated the 30th anniversary of the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) – landmark legislation that has helped employees balance their work and family responsibilities. While the program has had great success, the current law falls short of meeting the needs of today’s workers.
 |
I led the Caring for All Families Act to modernize FMLA for the 21st Century by broadening the range of caregiving relationships covered. A recent study found that 48 million people in the U.S. provide unpaid care to a friend or family member, and almost 80 percent of them report having routine expenses related to taking care of their loved ones. As American families continue to evolve, our family and medical leave policies must follow. No one should have to choose between caring for a loved one and losing their job.
This week, we honor the labor activists and labor organizations who continue to fight so every worker has access to a competitive, livable wage in a safe and welcoming workplace.
Thank you for taking the time to read this update. As always, please continue to share your thoughts and priorities with me. To hear more about my work in Congress, subscribe to my newsletter here.
Jahana Hayes
Member of Congress
|
.jpg "FJH20001_Graphics_BannerName1_(002).jpg")
_Facebook_Button.png "Blue_(333399)_Facebook_Button.png"){kind=small}
_Instagram_Button.png "Blue_(333399)_Instagram_Button.png"){kind=small}
_Twitter_Button.png "Blue_(333399)_Twitter_Button.png"){kind=small}
_YouTube_Button.png "Blue_(333399)_YouTube_Button.png"){kind=small}