John, today is Labor Day.

Many of us think about today as being about enjoying the last few weeks of summer, but this holiday is an important time to pay tribute to the contributions and achievements of American workers.

So I'm briefly interrupting your BBQs and beach days with a bit of a history lesson and a reflection on what this day means.

In the late 1800s, when labor unions first began gaining traction in America, working conditions were horrific. Folks were working 12-hour shifts, seven days a week, in squalid and unsafe conditions – and bringing almost nothing home to show for it. Children were working because that is just what it took to make ends meet. The middle class as we know it today was all but nonexistent – and workers were often facing deadly dangers at work. 

The unjustness was plain as day, and workers began to organize and strike to demand safe working conditions, fair wages, and better work schedules. And so, Labor Day was born as the 'working man's holiday.' 

Today, I am reflecting on the union workers who worked alongside my dad to build our family's business. Those unions made sure that through negotiations and a seat at the table within the company, their workers were safe, had the benefits they deserve, and were paid fairly for their work. Hard work and determination made the company strong.

This Labor Day, I am committing myself to doing all that I can to make sure people have fair wages, better hours, and safe working conditions. As your senator, I will work to ensure that everyone gets a fair shot at the American Dream. I’ll support passing the PRO Act, protecting prevailing wages, and making corporations and the ultra wealthy pay their fair share.

We need more pro-union, pro-worker leaders in Congress, and I promise you now that I will be just that.

Thank you for taking the time to read this email and for joining me in this work.

With gratitude and solidarity,

Trudy