I know what it’s like to be part of an invisible workforce.

This Labor Day, I stand in solidarity with the striking brothers and sisters of UNITE HERE Local 26, which represents service workers across the hospitality industry – in hotels, casinos, food service, and airports.

Local 26 recently voted to strike after months of tough negotiations. Their demands — fair wages and workloads — are fundamental to the livelihoods of thousands of workers, and just as importantly, to uphold the dignity of all work.

As a former hospitality worker, I know what it’s like to be part of an invisible workforce. For six years, I supported myself through college and as a congressional intern by getting a job on the side as a hotel banquet worker. When my mother was diagnosed with cancer, working in the service industry helped me make ends meet.

Every worker deserves to have their full humanity seen and their dignity recognized. To all striking workers, members of UNITE HERE Local 26, and service workers in Massachusetts, know that your Congresswoman has your back.

The opportunity for every person to earn a living wage, to have quality health care, to have a predictable work schedule, to rest easy knowing that your family will be okay — this is why I am serving in Congress, and why I will keep fighting alongside working people in Boston and nationwide.

So today, I stand in solidarity with Local 26 — and workers across the country — who are fighting for the fair treatment and dignity you deserve.

If you're able, please contribute to the Local 26 Strike Fund to support the striking workers fighting for fairness and dignity.

When we fight, we win.

Onward,

Ayanna