Years ago at an event in Lorain, Ohio, a steelworker from Local 1104 gave me a gift -- a small, yellow canary pin.

Coal miners used to bring canaries into the mines with them to detect poisonous gas. If the bird died, they knew to clear out. They didn't have a union strong enough or a government that cared enough to protect them.

I've worn that pin on my jacket ever since, as a symbol of all we've done since then to empower working people -- and all the work we still have to do.

To me, the pin isn't just an accessory. It's a reminder of the steelworkers, miners, factory workers, and every person who puts in a hard day's labor to make this country work. No matter your background, your zip code, or what kind of work you do -- all work has dignity, and should be respected and valued.

Our movement is focused on the Dignity of all Work -- creating long-term progress for working families in Ohio and around the country. Building that kind of lasting progress requires continued activism from people like you.