September 2, 2013

Give Workers More to Celebrate this Labor Day

Labor Day constitutes a yearly national tribute to the contributions workers have made to the strength, prosperity, and well-being of our country. Unfortunately, today’s workers are finding it harder and harder to make ends meet.

This Labor Day, it is time for Congress to start doing their part to give more workers access to the American Dream.

Raising the federal minimum wage and passing comprehensive immigration reform are two things that are long overdue.

The value of the minimum wage has been declining for more than four decades. President Obama, backed by widespread public support, has made it clear that raising our country’s federal minimum wage to $9 from the current rate of $7.25 is one of his top priorities. Unfortunately, House Republicans are choosing the profits of big business over working people and have opposed all attempts to raise the minimum wage.

Along with providing workers a living wage, America deserves a common sense immigration system that is fair and just.

How we treat new immigrants reflects our commitment to the values that define us as Americans.

Our current immigration system is broken and it penalizes too many people whose only crime is securing a better life for themselves and their families.

The Senate passed immigration reform which includes a path to citizenship for 11 million aspiring Americans and strong protections for immigrant workers.  It is time for the House to act.

UFCW members are working nonstop to ensure comprehensive immigration reform is signed into law this year.

Labor Day is dedicated to the achievements of American workers. It is time for Congress to honor these workers by taking much needed steps to advance social and economic justice.