Dear John,

Labor Day is not just another day off from work or a weekend of deals and sales—it’s a day that celebrates the thousands of workers who protested and fought to create more equitable labor laws and workplaces that we all benefit from today.

However, too many working people—including women of color, women in low-paying jobs, transgender and nonbinary workers, and workers who have limited bargaining power—still face considerable risks and challenges on the job. Harassment in the workplace is a widespread, persistent problem, from corporate offices to restaurants, agricultural fields, and factory floors. This Labor Day, Congress should honor workers by supporting a bill that will help prevent discrimination and harassment of working people!

No one should be forced to put up with harassment to make ends meet. The BE HEARD in the Workplace Act offers a groundbreaking set of legal reforms to help prevent workplace harassment and other forms of discrimination and to ensure accountability if harassment does occur. Specifically, the BE HEARD Act would:

• extend federal protections against harassment and other forms of discrimination to all working people, including contractors, interns, fellows, and volunteers
• expressly recognize that harassment and other forms of discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity are unlawful sex discrimination
• remove barriers to access to justice by promoting transparency and accountability in the workplace
• promote harassment prevention strategies and strengthen protections against retaliation

Together, we can end harassment in the workplace. Tell Congress to prioritize workers this Labor Day by supporting the BE HEARD Act!

In solidarity,

Gaylynn Burroughs
she/her/hers
Vice President for Education and Workplace Justice
National Women's Law Center