As Labor Day approaches, I want to remind us all why this day is so important. It is not just another long weekend or the unofficial end of summer. It is a day that belongs to working people, to unions, and to the fight for dignity, fairness, and opportunity.
Labor Day exists because generations of workers stood up for safe workplaces, fair pay, time to rest, and the right to be heard. In our case, it is about having a voice in how our schools are run to ensure students receive the best education possible. None of our accomplishments were handed to us. Every gain we have made was won because union members refused to settle for less. That history is not distant; it is the foundation we stand on today.
Over a half a century ago, school leaders from across the country came together to demand recognition, respect, and a stronger voice in shaping the future of public education. We stand proudly on the shoulders of those who built this union, and it is our responsibility to honor their legacy by ensuring that the next 50 years are even stronger.
This Labor Day, as we gather with our families and communities, let us not only celebrate the victories of the past but also recommit ourselves to the work still ahead: fair pay, safe schools, secure retirements, and the tools educators need to help every child succeed. Just as those before us carved a path, it is now up to us to leave strong footsteps for the future.
Our union is taking significant steps forward—growing stronger, expanding our reach, and offering more services to support our local unions. But growth and progress do not happen on their own. They happen when every member plays a part. Joining a union is more than signing a card and paying a membership fee. It is an investment in your future. It is joining a team, finding your place, and adding your strength to our shared success.
I invite you to take the next step. Attend your next local meeting. Volunteer for a committee. Talk to a colleague about joining. Your involvement, no matter how big or small, helps ensure our union remains a force for fairness, opportunity, and respect in every school and community we serve.
This Labor Day, take pride in how far we have come and look ahead with purpose. Together, we can shape the next chapter of our story and make our union even more powerful for generations to come.
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Looking for an easy way to take your first step in getting more involved with your union? Join a Labor Day event in your area! Visit WorkersLaborDay.org to learn more and find one near you.