Dear John,

As the American labor movement continued to grow towards the end of the 19^th century, unionists across the country pushed for a day to commemorate workers—the lifeblood of every society. Leaders proposed the first Monday of September as a holiday, and Oregon would become the first state to recognize the day as Labor Day. Oregon may have been first, but they were far from last. Within seven years, thirty states had passed measures recognizing the holiday, spurring the federal government to do the same in 1894, formally recognizing Labor Day as a national holiday. Labor Day became a celebration of the working people, the labor movement, and honored workers’ contributions in the United States and around the globe. 

As we celebrate another Labor Day and honor working people, we’re reminded of the myriad challenges workers—especially essential workers—still face. Workplace health and safety remain of paramount concern, more than 18 months into a society-altering pandemic, and many workers continue to struggle with the basics like housing stability, food insecurity, and a lack of dignity on the job. 

And this is where Jobs With Justice comes in.

We remain staunchly committed to standing with essential workers—in every corner of this country, and our campaigns reflect that. We are joining with essential workers in Harris County, Texas, to create essential worker task forces, which will allow those working in affected industries to set crucial health and safety standards. We are standing in solidarity with nurses in Worchester, Massachusetts, who continue the largest nurses’ strike in the commonwealth’s history. In Colorado, our network scored a sizable win, securing critical labor protections for farmworkers. These are just some of the ways we continue to not just show up, but step up. 

And while this work is very important, we need your help to continue elevating these campaigns and take on more of the fights that can provide working people with the real power they need to thrive. So please, support Jobs With Justice as we celebrate the legacy and spirit of Labor Day and continue the struggle for economic justice.

In Solidarity,

Smiley

Executive Director

Jobs With Justice