McCollum Statement on Labor Day

Congresswoman Betty McCollum (MN-04) released the following statement today ahead of Monday's observance of Labor Day:

"Labor Day is an opportunity to honor American workers, and to reflect on the success of America's Labor movement, which fought to establish bedrock values we often take for granted: the minimum wage, the 40-hour work week, and health and safety protections in the workplace. These milestones provide the very foundation of the American Dream, and were achieved through long and tireless organizing and collective bargaining efforts.

"Especially as we continue to combat the COVID-19 pandemic, Labor Day is a time to reflect on the work still ahead of us in protecting workers and families. The pandemic made clear the existing disparities and weaknesses in our care economy – underscoring the need for us to invest in paid family leave, sick leave, universal child care, a living wage, and more. House Democrats expanded the Child Tax Credit within the American Rescue Plan, and these payments are already lifting children and families out of poverty across the nation.

"House Democrats have also put forth legislation to strengthen worker protections (the PRO Act), and made investments in frontline workers within the American Rescue Plan. As we work on legislation to advance President Biden's Build Back Better Plan and the bipartisan infrastructure bill, the priorities of American workers will be front and center as we look to this moment as an opportunity to rebuild our society and strengthen our economy.

"To the educators, working parents, the underemployed, those facing discrimination in the workplace, and those who want to be working but cannot, you have my commitment that I will keep fighting to restore the promise of opportunity for all our families. I stand united with you in this fight."

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