Our Union More Important Than Ever
Labor Day began in New York on September 5, 1882, when Peter J. McGuire, a carpenter and labor Union leader, proposed that American workers should be honored with their own day, and the New York Central Labor Union took up the cause. By 1894, 23 states had recognized the holiday, and on June 28, 1894, President Grover Cleveland signed the law creating the national holiday.
On Labor Day, Union members – and all Americans – honor and celebrate the social and economic progress won by the American labor movement, workers standing together in Union who have made lasting changes for all American workers.
As a result of our efforts as Teamsters, we continue to make great strides in making our communities great places to live, work and enjoy the fruits of our labor, including improving education, income and health. These are the building blocks of a great economy for all Americans. The Teamsters Union continues to forge ahead in the fight for fair wages, benefits, respect and dignity for all working families.
Labor Day marks the end of summer and is celebrated with family and friends. However, the coronavirus pandemic has made this difficult due to the health risks of gathering with friends and family and the economic distress that many families have experienced.
We can still celebrate by recognizing our fellow workers on our social media channels and participating in an online or limited-contact Union event. Take a look at available events by clicking here.
Whether we gather online or in-person, we always honor our fellow Teamsters and wish you all the very best. This has been a tough year for workers. We’re fighting for our health and safety. We’re fighting for our jobs and pay. When we stand together in our Union, we have the power to protect our rights – in good times, and in challenging times.
This Labor Day, let’s commit to each other and not allow fear or the greed of big corporations and the rich to divide us. As Teamsters, we keep our eyes on the goal of fair pay, safe working conditions and a voice on the job.
To that end, we urge all Teamsters to vote no on Prop. 22 this November and urge those you care for to do the same. If passed, this proposition put on the ballot by multi-billion-dollar gig corporations could mean the end of our good Union jobs. Don’t let greedy corporations replace good, Union jobs with so-called “gigs” with low pay, no benefits and no rights. Learn more and take the pledge to vote NO on Prop. 22 by clicking here.
Please, whatever you do this Labor Day, stay safe, stay strong, and enjoy some well-deserved rest with your loved ones. We wish our Teamster family a safe and enjoyable Labor Day.
P.S. Please take a minute to watch our recorded Labor Day messages here and here.
In Unity,
Jason Rabinowitz Catherine Cobb
Secretary-Treasurer President