On Labor Day, we recognize and honor the achievements of America's working people. In 2017, this annual celebration comes at a critical time for our nation. Collective action is on the rise—yet so are the attacks on our pay, health care, retirement security and rights on the job.
As we enjoy the fellowship of our loved ones at a barbecue, fireworks or other community event, it also is important to reflect on the best ways working people can come together to build an economy that works for all of us.
In growing numbers, working families across the country are taking action to win the freedom to negotiate a fair return on our work so we can provide for our families. As a result of our unity at the bargaining table and the ballot box, working people in 2016 won the largest pay increase in years. A strong majority of Americans have a positive view of unions. Working people are organizing, from traditional manufacturing to higher education to the digital economy.
We also are standing up to the corporate-backed politicians who for decades have continued to take away the freedoms unions have won for all of us. Whether it's the expansion of misleading “right to work” laws, rollbacks on workplace safety or the assault on our pay and benefits by Congress and the White House, it is critical that we continue to organize and mobilize around an agenda that gives working people the freedom to join together.