On June 28, 1894, Congress declared the first Monday in September a Federal holiday: Labor Day. While it has evolved into a three-day weekend that primarily celebrates the end of summer with grilled food and gatherings, we want to remember America’s Labor Movement and the sacrifices that everyday people made in hopes of gaining security, dignity, and agency at work. From the Pullman Railroad Strike of 1984 to unionizing efforts by Starbucks and Amazon workers today, the 200-year fight for workers’ rights is nowhere close to being over. This month, we celebrate the progress that has been made while recognizing that we still have so much further to go. Below are a few suggestions for learning more about where we’ve been and where our continued fight will take us in the future.

Bring the Past to the Present.

Take some time to reflect on the hopes, dreams, and struggles of workers who fought before us, taking brave leaps of faith to secure a future they may have never experienced. Check out this episode of the Belabored podcast about Fred Ross, a community organizer whose efforts bolstered the work of pivotal figures like Dolores Huerta and Cesar Chavez.

Explore our Roots

Check out Kim Kelly’s book, Fight Like Hell, to learn about the folks on the frontlines of the labor movement whose stories were cut from the history books. Join a live discussion with the author and share your thoughts at the virtual book club meeting.
(Image credit: SimonandSchuster.com)

Fight for the Future

Examine your own experience with work. What role does it play in your life? How are companies showing up in and for your community? Is your organization primed to embrace a fair and just economy? Reflect on your organization’s culture and practices, and see how they align with your rights and needs as a worker. Check out the Bay Area’s Essential Worker’s Agenda for inspiration.

By learning from those who blazed trails before us and partnering together to find collaborative solutions, we can win the fight for a just and equitable Bay Area economy!

In Community,

Rob, Kayla, & Brianna

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