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Pelosi Statement on Labor Day

September 4, 2018

Contact: Ashley Etienne/Henry Connelly, 202-226-7616


Washington, D.C. – Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi released this statement to mark Labor Day:

"Each Labor Day, Americans salute the hard-working men and women of labor who are the heart of our economy and the backbone of our democracy. From the 40-hour workweek, overtime and fair wages to workplace safety, family leave and the right to collective bargaining, the American labor movement's generations of advocacy have helped delivered transformational progress for every American. Indeed, the Middle Class in America has a union label on it.

"Yet, across the country, The hard-working men and women of labor are under assault from the Republicans' relentless efforts to stack the deck for wealthy corporations and against working families. This GOP Congress and administration are undermining the fundamental freedom to join together in union, gutting proven job training and education initiatives and pushing brutal budgets and destructive Executive Orders that kick out the ladders of opportunity from under America's workers.

"While Republicans give workers a raw deal, Democrats have made Giving Workers The Freedom to Negotiate A Better Deal a core part of our economic agenda. We will ban state laws that undermine workers' freedom to join together and negotiate for better wages, benefits and working conditions, strengthen the right to strike, and toughen penalties for predatory corporations that violate workers' rights and safety. We will pass legislation to respond to the Supreme Court's disastrous Janus decision. And we will address the impending pension plan crisis.

"Democrats are fighting For The People by lowering health costs and prescription drug prices, raising wages and cleaning up corruption to ensure Washington works for the people. Together, we will tilt the playing field back to the side of the American worker."

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