The Labor Wire
May 7, 2019
This week, we’re celebrating the millions of working people who have committed themselves to serving our communities every day. As we mark both Teacher Appreciation Week and Public Service Recognition Week, the labor movement is doing more than tipping our hat. We’re keeping up the fight to defend these tireless public servants’ rights and dignities on the job.
Message of the Day—Our Labor Is Indispensable
From classrooms and post offices to airports and national parks, our country would grind to a halt without the passion and professionalism of working people. That labor is indispensable—it demands respect and the right to live with dignity.
Working people are waging the fight to defend what we’ve earned. This year, we have already witnessed massive demonstrations of solidarity in communities across the country. In a moment of virtually unprecedented collective action, teachers and public servants are leading the way:
Thousands of United Teachers Los Angeles (UTLA) members rally for a fair contract in January. |
AFT President Randi Weingarten stands with striking UTLA members in January. |
An educator and his son rally alongside UTLA members outside Los Angeles City Hall in January. |
Striking West Virginia teachers rally outside the state Capitol in February. |
AFGE National President J. David Cox Sr. and furloughed federal workers occupy the Hart Senate Office Building atrium in January. |
Working people rally outside the White House in January, demanding an end to the federal government shutdown. |
AFSCME President Lee Saunders and AFSCME member Janice Fridie address furloughed federal workers in front of the AFL-CIO in January. |
Kitchen Table Economics
68%: Percentage of Americans who believe public school teachers are not paid fairly.
Quote of the Day
“In unity is strength.” —Aesop
Take Action
Tell Congress: No vote on new NAFTA!
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