Hello,

My grandfather knew that working in the coal mines was a dark and dangerous way to make a living, but he took on the work as a young boy to help his family make ends meet.

As the global pandemic has continued on for more than two years, many workers have faced a similar choice. Some worked every day throughout the pandemic, while others are now being asked to return to a workplace where they might not feel safe. Some continue their work out of duty and purpose. Others simply have no choice but to work to feed their family, even if they're immunocompromised.

In the 118 years since the first Labor Day, generations of workers organized and fought for workplace protections that made Americans safer on the job and helped to build the middle class, but that work isn't done. We all need to do our part.

Far too many lack even basic benefits like paid sick leave and family leave. Those who take measures to avoid getting sick and losing wages, or their lives, may face harassment or attacks from customers, coworkers, and their bosses.

We have an obligation to those whose lives are at risk during this pandemic and every day. We must fight to raise wages for working and middle class Americans to keep pace with inflation. We must ensure that they too benefit when our economy is strong and refuse to balance our budgets on their backs.

I'm proud of what we've accomplished since Democrats won back the Senate and the White House, especially the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act, relief for millions of families, forgiveness of student debt, and the creation of millions of jobs. But our work isn't over, which is why I'm spending each day trying to elect more leaders who will work to end the filibuster, deliver results for workers and their families, and keep our momentum going.

This Labor Day, I hope I can count on you to fight alongside me and all those working each day to provide for their families and build a better life.

Thank you, and happy Labor Day,

Bob Casey