“This Labor Day, it is most appropriate that we remember the many positive achievements of organized labor in America,” Assemblymember Mike Davis (D- 48) said today. 

 “When some Republicans call labor unions that represent teachers, firefighters, police officers and nurses, “‘special interests,”’ I remember that on Labor Day we honor the truly heroic individuals. Individuals who struggled and sacrificed fighting genuine “‘special interests”’ to achieve dignity in the workplace and a standard of living for working Americans that is unparalleled in the world,” Davis continued.

Samuel Gompers founded the American Federation of Labor (AFL) in 1881, but the growth and influence of the American labor movement was handicapped by the uncertain and unfavorable legal status of the unions until the Democratic administration of Franklin D. Roosevelt.

After Roosevelt signed the National Industrial Recovery Act, employees had the right to organize and bargain collectively, as well as the right to be free from the interference, restraint or coercion of their employers in their bargaining activities. Union membership skyrocketed.  From 1933 to 1945, membership grew from 3 million to 15 million.

The history of both the United States and California is marked by the achievements of the labor movement.  These achievements include the 40-hour work week; health and welfare benefits; child labor laws; social security benefits; the minimum wage; occupational safety and health laws; and public education.

 “We must be vigilant in our fight to retain the rights that labor has fought so hard to win for the workers of California and the nation,” Assemblymember Davis said. “The foundation for all the great social changes in America was set in the workplace.  The power for all progressive and social changes in America derived from the collective strength of the American labor movement,” said Davis

“Labor has survived by giving the American worker what he or she wanted, not what the administration, or the politicians or the employers or the labor movement’s leaders wanted,” Davis continued.

”Labor unions still are important organizations in our country that demand respect for workers in our society,” Davis concluded.

For more information please call the district office at (213) 744-2111.