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Schakowsky: On Labor Day Let's Give American Workers A Raise

September 2, 2016

CHICAGO – “This Labor Day, I am happy to join in celebrating American workers, the driving force of our powerful economy. Throughout our country's history, progress has only come through the hard work and gumption of our unrivaled labor force. Today, teachers, builders, health care professionals, caretakers, emergency responders, service industry professionals, and countless other American workers still drive our economy forward every single day. On this Labor Day, the best way to demonstrate our appreciation for American workers is to support policies that benefit them and their families.

Workers living in the richest country in the world, at the richest point in our country's history should not have to worry about making enough to provide for their families while working a full time job. Wages must be raised in our country, and workers' protections must be strengthened. I support the Obama Administration's overtime rule, which would give 4.2 million salaried workers the overtime pay that they have so far been denied, and the decision to end the decades-old exemption that left home care workers without minimum wage protections.  Now It's time to raise the minimum wage and to give workers paid sick leave, family leave, and maternity and paternity benefits.

I stand in solidarity with the millions of Americans who are demanding a $15 minimum wage and their right to unionize.  Unions give workers a collective voice -- to ensure good wages, earned benefits, and safe workplaces.  Unions improve the well-being of working families, communities and our economy. Through their tireless efforts unions brought our country the middle class, the weekend, health and safety benefits, work place safety laws, and decent wages through collective bargaining. We will only revive the middle class by empowering workers through unions.

We must protect against a race to the bottom that allows some to benefit by short-changing both American and foreign workers.  That means we must protect our economy and our working men and women from unfair trade deals. I oppose the Trans Pacific Partnership, and I will continue to work against its passage and in favor of trade policies that actually benefit American workers and consumers.

I am always proud of America's workers. As I have said, I believe that they represent the backbone of our economy--the greatest in the world. This Labor Day, join me in renewing our commitment to working men and women by supporting pro-worker policies, standing up for unions, and demanding more for the people who make our nation stronger through their productivity and creativity.”

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