This is the holiday that unions invented, and our very existence ensures that this holiday remain. Because of the work and sacrifice of many before us, we take for granted basic rights. The 40 hour work week, the 8 hour work day, vacation time, pensions, social security, equal pay for equal work and the FMLA. The labor movement took kids out of factories and put them into schools, they provided the support needed to aid the Civil Rights Movement. Unions created OSHA, employer paid healthcare and of course - the weekend.
Much has happened this year. Don't forget we traveled to Trenton, NJ in support of the Wisconsion workers, we marched across the Brooklyn Bridge for the National Day of Action, and we joined 45,000 of our coworkers in a strike against the company - a fight that continues to this day. Our courage, leadership and fortitude has inspired a middle class. We are the private sector, we deserve what we have and are willing to show that our actions speak louder than our words.
That is why in this years historic NYC Labor Day Parade, the Communications Workers of America, AFL-CIO, CLC, will be leading right behind the 9/11 first responders leading tens of thousands of union members and their families. You must understand the ramifications and importance of this - we are leading the labor movement. Be proud. but most importantly be there in red.
We are marching this year on the eve of the 10th Anniversary of 9/11. Remember all the Communications Workers, innocent people and first responders who lost their lives on that tragic day. We not only march for ourselves, our labor movement and our families in this year's parade; but we march for them.
Enjoy this Labor Day, hold your head high and see you at the Parade.