Honoring Labor

One hundred and forty years ago, on September 5, 1882, workers in New York City celebrated the first Labor Day. After continuing work for another decade to promote the rights of workers, on June 28, 1894, President Grover Cleveland signed a bill making Labor Day a legal holiday across the country.  Today, we honor these workers who persevered to ensure that all those who labor are treated fairly, protected in safe working conditions, earn livable wages and quality benefits, and are treated with dignity.

Today I'm also honoring family who have labored as union members. My paternal great-grandfather, worked on the  Missouri, Kansas, and Texas Railroad (MKT).  He began in the Blacksmith shop in 1928 and progressed to Boilermaker helper and then to Machinist by 1930. My paternal grandfather also worked on the Katy Railroad, beginning as a Sheetmetal Apprentice; then as Coppersmith Apprentice; then as Electrician Apprentice. He was a member of the International Association of Machinists (I.A. of M.), the same as his father.  

Both men labored to care for their families, taking pride in their work, and instilled a strong work ethic in each of us.  As a little girl, I remember their heavy duty work clothes (overalls), big calloused hands, pocket watches with gold chains, sturdy hugs, sugar kisses, and a drawer full of of Bazooka bubble gum for all the grandchildren!

Watching my family members, railroad workers, retail workers, electrical engineers, teachers, healthcare administrators, and homemakers, work hard to put food on the table, send kids to college, build houses, and nurture loving homes for our family made a lasting impression.  I saw firsthand how everyone’s labor, both paid and unpaid, is the key to developing strong families, thriving communities, and meaningful lives.

Today, thanks to the sacrifice of union members, we’ve improved the quality of life for everyone. As a result of their hard work, we have child labor laws, shorter work days, weekends, improved working conditions, non-discrimination rights, and benefits. That’s why I’m so proud to have the support of labor in our campaign for Georgia House District 35. I'm committed to workers of today, and the ongoing shared goals of building thriving, inclusive businesses that provide educational opportunities and training, living wages, quality health care, ensured safety from injury and illness, and meaningful opportunities for noble work.

Today, let's honor the achievements of the labor movement and recommit to lifting up and supporting workers.