Outdated labor laws have hampered our fundamental right to join together and negotiate for better wages, benefits and working conditions. That's why we need the Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act, which will empower America's workers and strengthen our democracy.
Kudos to our union brothers and sisters, like those in train crews, who keep the country going on holidays while the rest of us are able to relax and enjoy time off from work. This northbound freight train rumbled through Arlington in Carlisle County on Saturday, the start of the three-day Labor Day weekend.
As we enjoy the day set aside to recognize the contributions of workers to America, remember that Labor Day and all that workers have benefitted from came from struggle and sacrifice and that is what it is going to take to put our nation on the right path again, where all workers are respected and unions an ever growing presence and power.
The meaning of a holiday sometimes gets lost in its celebration.
To a lot of people, Labor Day is just summer's last hurrah--a last fling at fun in the sun (tempered again this year by COVID-19) before the kids head back to school.
Most importantly, Labor Day honors our labor movement--the country's "single most powerful force for progress," according to AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler.
The Battle of Blair Mountain was "the largest armed uprising on American soil since the Civil War."
Between late August and early September, 1921, 7,000 to 20,000 UMWA coal miners fought to shove 2,500 to 3,500 anti-union lawmen and volunteers off the West Virginia mountain.
Events commemorating the battle's centennial are already underway. Click here to see a schedule of what's ahead.
