A Message for America’s Workers

Labor Day Statement from Ohio AFL-CIO President Tim Burga

This time each year, we come together to remind this country: Labor Day is our day. It belongs to all working people. 

And this Labor Day, here in Ohio and around the country, we’re going to make sure all of America knows what we stand for... that we are fighting for the freedom, fairness and security that workers deserve.

Every day, more and more people understand how we fight for justice. Every day, more and more workers are turning to the labor movement to be a part of that fight... including workers who feel abandoned by the political system... who are scratching their heads saying, I'm not better off today than I was last year... not by a long shot.

75% of those workers say they believe in unions. They believe that joining a union is their best shot — to build a better life, a more secure life, a brighter future for themselves and their families. 

The collective strength that unions provide to take on power, to create and build power of our own — it’s what unions do. It’s in our blood. It’s how we won the weekend, and paid vacation, and the 8-hour workday, and Social Security. It’s why, in states with the most unionized workers, all workers make more money, more people have health care, and there are greater investments in our schools.

It’s why workers all over this country know this: It’s better in a union.

Every single thing working people have won for ourselves in this country’s history — it’s not because we asked those in power. It’s not because they were handed to us. It’s because we fought for them relentlessly — by organizing, and mobilizing, and using our collective power.

So, if you believe in common-sense, no matter what political party you belong to, if you’re ready to stand up to the CEOs and the billionaires that are trying to take over our country and strip workers of their rights, if you’re ready to fight for those that are beside you, if you’re ready to build the kind of country that workers deserve, come join us. 

As long as I have the honor to represent trade unionists I will remain optimistic that a united labor movement will not only survive but thrive.   So let us join hands with every positive aspect of our lives in solidarity, grounded in strength and energized for the future.

Thank you for your hard work, for your belief that we are stronger together, and for supporting each other. Let's keep organizing, let's keep fighting, and let's keep leading and win a better day for America.