You hear me talk a lot about the Dignity of Work, but do you know the origin of that phrase?

It comes from Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., who said, “No work is insignificant. All labor that uplifts humanity has dignity and importance.” 

Hard work should pay off for everyone, no matter what kind of work you do -- whether you punch a clock or swipe a badge, earn a salary or make tips, whether you’re raising children or caring for an aging parent, regardless of your race or gender. 

Everyone deserves respect, good wages, and a sound financial future. 

However, we know all too well that not all work is treated with dignity. Changing that isn’t just a part of our movement -- it’s at the heart of it. 

I strive every day to lift up working Ohioans and put them front and center of every policy decision in Congress. That’s why we’ve passed legislation like the CHIPS Act and the Inflation Reduction Act, which will create thousands of good-paying jobs that can’t be shipped overseas and ensure Wall Street pays a bit more of its fair share.

Today on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Dr. King’s legacy should remind us of how far we’ve come and how much work still lies ahead. 

Dr. King also taught us that the moral arc of the universe bends toward justice. But that arc is long. It’s arduous. It’s uneven. 

So we carry on in our efforts. And our fight isn’t over until every American is paid the living wage they’ve earned. Until everyone can afford health care and child care. Until everyone has power over their schedules and their careers and their lives. Until everyone can find a good job in their hometown.

Progress requires people like you and me to stand up, speak out, and get involved. Organizing, demanding progress, and working for change are some of the most patriotic things we can do. Because when you love this country, you fight for the people who make it work -- all people.

With gratitude,

Sherrod