Schakowsky Commemorates Labor Day

EVANSTON - Today, U.S. Representative Jan Schakowsky (IL-09) released the following statement in observance of Labor Day:

"As a proud dues-paying member of Workers United, I know firsthand that unions lead to better wages and benefits. Just weeks ago, I marched on the picket line with Amazon drivers in Skokie who have organized with Teamsters. I stand in solidarity with all workers who are demanding a seat at the table. Congress must pass the Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act to ensure that all workers can join a union.

"In the past four years, the Biden-Harris administration has championed workers' rights, implementing the most pro-labor policies in our nation's history. Not only has our economy added nearly 16 million new jobs, but the quality of jobs nationwide has improved. Under the leadership of President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, we have banned noncompete clauses, extended overtime pay for millions of workers, ensured federal protections for countless gig workers, and investigated big corporations for workplace intimidation, among many other pro-labor measures.

"Further, we must increase the minimum wage to give every American the opportunity to rise into the middle class. CEO pay has increased by 1,209% since 1978, compared with a 15% bump for the typical worker over the same period. Today's federal minimum wage of $7.25 is an unlivable wage. The minimum wage was set 15 years ago, it is beyond time to raise it.

"While Labor Day is a time to express our gratitude to the millions of Americans who power our economy, we must strive to support our workers every day by safeguarding their physical, mental, and financial well-being. To our American workers: by showing up to work, day in and day out, you keep our country going. Thank you for all you do. Happy Labor Day!"

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