Friend, yesterday was Labor Day. For my family, this holiday has always been an especially important one.

You see, I was raised in a proud union household. My father spent more than 30 years as a public school teacher and NEA union member. And my mother, a nurse's aide, led the charge to unionize her workplace with the Service Employees International Union.

So although I have nothing against a fun-filled Labor Day barbecue, my family has always made sure to celebrate this holiday for what it truly is: a day to recognize everything that workers have done to make our country the place it is today.

This year, I spent Labor Day reflecting on the decades of organizing that won us the basic rights that we enjoy today – the right to unionize, weekends, safe working conditions, higher wages, and so much more. But even as we recognize these accomplishments, it's impossible to ignore the historic attacks that unions are facing today.

Today, Republicans are pushing dangerous legislation to undermine workers' rights and weaken our unions. I refuse to watch our country slip backward on this critical issue. If you agree with me, will you chip in $5 to help elect leaders who will protect unions and workers' rights for decades to come?

Unions built America. The brave workers who organized for union protections, fought for their rights, and unionized their workplaces should serve as an inspiration for us all. For me that inspiration always came from my mother.

As a child, I watched my mom fight to unionize her workplace. It was a hard, long-fought battle. Her management even tried to sway her away from her advocacy with a raise. But she held firm, refusing to quit until every single one of her colleagues received the benefits, protections, and raises they deserved. After her colleagues voted to unionize, they chose my mother as their union steward.

I've worked hard to live up to my mom's legacy through my work in the Senate. I've always fought to defend workers' rights and I've forged close partnerships with unions all across Michigan. But as Democrats have led our country forward and protected these critical rights, Republicans have done everything they can to undermine that progress. Now, they're just one seat away from retaking control of the Senate and moving our country backward.

We simply cannot let the GOP regain power and push their anti-worker agenda. And with experts saying that Democrats face a "Senate map from hell," we need all the help we can get. That's why I'm personally asking: Please, will you make a donation today to defend our Senate majority and ensure that our unions are protected?

Thank you,

Gary Peters