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Dear Friend,
Happy Labor Day! Today, we celebrate America’s workers, remember those who fought for workplace rights, and recommit ourselves to securing basic protections and benefits for all workers. None of this would be possible without the hard work of Peter J. McGuire, the father of Labor Day. Most don’t know that McGuire lived in Camden and was buried in Pennsauken, but as a kid from South Jersey, he was always my hometown hero.
As an electrician and proud union member, I stand with workers across America and fight in Congress for higher pay, better benefits, and safer working conditions. On Labor Day and every day, I have the backs of those who helped build our nation.
Introduced Bill to Award Peter J. McGuire Congressional Gold Medal
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| Rep. Norcross honors Peter J. McGuire during the annual wreath laying ceremony |
This week, I introduced legislation to award Peter J. McGuire with the Congressional Gold Medal, one of the highest awards a U.S. civilian can receive. Throughout his life, McGuire organized meaningful strikes that led to increased wages for workers and the establishment of the 8-hour workday. With South Jersey roots, McGuire dedicated his life to fighting for the rights of workers and revolutionized the labor movement in America. We continue to live McGuire’s legacy every day, and I can think of no one more deserving of this award on Labor Day.
Peter J. McGuire Wreath Laying Ceremony
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| Rep. Norcross poses with Governor Murphy and labor leaders during the wreath laying ceremony |
On Friday, I welcomed Governor Murphy and labor leaders to Pennsauken to visit the gravesite of Peter J. McGuire. Known as the ‘Father of Labor Day,’ McGuire was the founder of the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America and the first Secretary of the American Federation of Labor. As just a kid from Pennsauken, I’m humbled to properly memorialize my hometown hero every year during this event.
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