Dear friend, 

Today we celebrate Labor Day, and the contributions the labor movement has made to strengthen the American Workforce. Labor Day was declared a federal holiday in June 1894; however, the Labor Movement has roots in colonial times and has long served as a voice for the American worker, advocating for fair pay and working conditions.

Through the power of collective action, the labor movement has overcome many challenges and continues to play a crucial role in advancing the rights of workers. 

As a Member of the House Committee on Education and Workforce, I use my voice to strengthen labor protections for workers across all industries. This Congress, I led several efforts to support educators and workers across the country.

As we start a new school year, I am reminded of my efforts to support school faculty and staff. In April, alongside Senator Edward Markey (D-MA), I reintroduced the Paraprofessionals and Education Support Staff Bill of Rights, a resolution calling for dignified wages, benefits, and working conditions for paraeducators, classroom assistants, bus drivers, custodial workers, and other essential school staff who far too often work for low wages, few benefits, and without job security. Paraprofessionals and support staff are an invaluable part of student learning. They deserve a seat at the table and a voice in negotiating better working conditions.

Learn more about the resolution here.

I also reintroduced the Respect, Advancement, and Increasing Support for Educators (RAISE) Act, which would help to close the wage gap for teachers by creating a tax credit of up to $15,000 for public school teachers. You can read more about the legislation here.

Additionally, I am an original cosponsor of the Richard L. Trumka Protecting the Right to Organize Act of 2025, which would strengthen the rights of workers to organize and collectively bargain. We must continue to work to ensure this bill is signed into law.
 
Further, I will be introducing the Tipped Worker Protection Act to ensure tipped workers across the state of Connecticut and the nation receive their full tips in addition to the federal minimum wage. This legislation would allow employees to retain all tips, regardless of whether they were received directly from the customer or distributed via a tip pool. Tipped workers are vital to our workforce and deserve to receive just compensation for their labor.

Last week, I joined the CT AFL-CIO for a Labor Day Breakfast at the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 478 in Hamden. I enjoyed spending the morning with our Connecticut workforce who remain committed to the betterment of labor standards for all of America.

I encourage you to take the time today to honor the employees and organizations who fought to establish the fair wages and safe working conditions that we enjoy today. 

Jahana Hayes

Member of Congress