Union Appreciation Month

Labor Unions are at the foundation of what makes our country great. It would be a great sign of our appreciation to have a whole month to recognize their impact. And, of course, September is the obvious choice, since it includes Labor Day.

We have so many reasons to thank unions and the labor movement — the forty-hour workweek, the two-day weekend, wage increases, and improved working conditions and benefits. Unions have helped drive progress for workers throughout American history, and continue that work today.

In Iowa, workers are the backbone of our economy and our communities. That’s why it’s crucial workers are paid a fair wage for work in a safe environment. Unfortunately, unions are under attack today, which is why it’s crucial we show our solidarity. 

That’s why I’ve co-sponsored and supported a range of legislation to support workers from supporting workers’ abilities to exercise their workplace rights and strengthening the Fair Labor Standards Act, to increasing access to quality affordable health care, to ensuring every Iowan has the skills to acquire a good paying job, whether through college or a trade school.

I’m working everyday – in Washington and here in Iowa – to stand with and work for workers. But we can’t do this alone. Unions and the labor movement have fought for workers’ rights for decades and I look forward to working together for years to come.
I hope that you will join me and Progress Iowa in supporting calls to officially designate September as “Labor Union Appreciation Month.”