Sisters and Brothers:

Independence Day in July is normally the day we celebrate freedom. But Labor Day is also about freedom — the freedom of working people to come together in strong unions and build a better life for themselves and their families.

There’s a bill in Congress that advances those freedoms. The Public Service Freedom to Negotiate Act gives people who work in public service the same collective bargaining rights — the same voice on the job and seat at the table — enjoyed by private sector workers.

The legislation already has 135 co-sponsors, but it needs a big push from all of us. Share these social media graphics and spread the word about the urgent need for members of Congress to support this bill.

The Public Service Freedom to Negotiate Act was endorsed by every presidential candidate who appeared at our 2020 Public Service Forum in Las Vegas a few weeks ago. Around the country, the entire labor movement is riding a wave of momentum as workers are mobilizing in unprecedented numbers to secure their rights and freedoms. And according to a new Gallup poll, public approval of labor unions has grown to 64 percent — one of our highest ratings in the last 50 years.

The freedom to earn a decent living. To see a doctor when you’re sick. To have paid time off when your family needs you. To retire with dignity after decades of hard work. Those are the freedoms we deserve for everything we do to strengthen our communities. Those are the freedoms we celebrate on Labor Day and fight for every single day.

Spread the word about The Public Service Freedom to Negotiate Act with your friends this weekend.

Happy Labor Day and thank you for everything you do.

In solidarity,

Lee Saunders
AFSCME