Labor Day is more than just a holiday. It is a celebration of the victories unions have won for workers across all sectors. It is a reminder of the hard work and dedication of union members and labor leaders long before us who fought for the workplace and family advantages we enjoy today: the 40-hour workweek, weekends off, benefits, and so much more.

Labor Day is a tribute to the progress we’ve made, and a reminder of the work we still have to do as we continue to fight for fair wages, better benefits, safe working conditions, and the right for all workers to unionize.

Here in Oregon, we recently settled historic contracts for state and homecare workers and are in the process of bargaining other contracts for local governments and nursing home workers. By the end of the year, we will be back at the table to bargain contracts for state and homecare workers again. The work always continues.

Our mission to lift workers is as critical now as it has ever been. Corporations are making record profits yet complain they can’t pay more. Workers deserve to be compensated fairly and must be able to organize in sectors that have not had access to unions or been given a voice in their workplace in the past (such as fast-food industries and gig jobs). These workers – many of whom tend to be younger, immigrants, Black, brown and from marginalized communities – should have the right to bargain contracts that will provide them with good wages, benefits, and better workplace protections. We are fighting for Unions for All and will continue to work on bringing unions to as many workers as possible here in Oregon.

As we celebrate the wins labor unions have won over the years for working people across the country, let’s continue to direct our energy into doing more: addressing issues involving discrimination, preparing workers for jobs of the future and creating a more equitable and just workplace for everyone.

Finally, thank you for all you do in service to clients and the people and the State of Oregon. What you do matters.

In unity,

Mike Powers, SEIU 503 President

Melissa Unger, SEIU 503 Executive Director