As we look forward to the Labor Day weekend, we must not forget that Labor Day is our day – a holiday that commemorates the strife and struggle to achieve economic equality by working men and women across the United States and Canada. No one is more deserving of this honor than the strong, proud, and united members of LIUNA.

Since the holiday was first celebrated more than a century ago, LIUNA members have risked their livelihoods and even laid down their lives in the fight for justice, honor, and strength for all workers.  Our efforts have strengthened both of our nations and created prosperity that has led to a robust middle-class. 

However, anti-worker and anti-union special interests throughout North America are working to weaken unions and the voice of working people.  We must be vigilant in stopping efforts to cut our pay and benefits, push back on so-called right-to-work laws and the repeal of prevailing wage laws. We must protect the right to negotiate in the public and private sector, and fight for comprehensive immigration reform. 

We cannot allow this continuing war on working people to weaken the middle class and intensify income inequality. 

On this holiday, let us reflect on what those who came before us have achieved and recommit to protecting and expanding on that legacy. 

On behalf of myself, General Secretary-Treasurer Armand E. Sabitoni, and the entire LIUNA General Executive Board, I wish you and your family a safe, meaningful, and well-deserved Labor Day.