Honor American workers this Labor Day

Labor Day is more than just the end of summer; it is a day to honor the achievements of American workers and the labor movement, whose tireless efforts have forged the backbone of our nation’s economy. In Nevada, especially here in Southern Nevada, we have a deep appreciation for the contributions of working people. They are the lifeblood of our community — driving our economy and making life better for all of us.

Labor Day has its roots in the late 19th century when the labor movement fought for fair wages, reasonable working hours, and safe working conditions. These pioneers of the modern labor movement understood that our nation’s prosperity depends on its workers’ dignity and well-being. Their struggles led to the establishment of Labor Day as a federal holiday in 1894 — a recognition of the essential role that working people play in our society.

Our community’s history is intertwined with the story of labor, from the construction of the Hoover Dam in the 1930s to the rise of the Strip today. From the public-sector unions that provide essential services at our local hospitals to those who care for our seniors and veterans, unions continue to play a pivotal role in shaping every aspect of who and what we are as Nevadans.

Today, unions ensure workers receive fair pay, health care and retirement benefits, safe working conditions, and the respect they deserve. Through their advocacy, unions — from the Building Trades to the Culinary Union, from AFSCME and AFGE to SEIU and everything in between — have not only elevated the standard of living for their members, but they’ve also secured higher wages, better benefits, and stronger job security for everyone.

Though not every Nevada worker is a union member, every worker in our state has benefited from our rich union history.

Despite the progress we have made together, the fight for workers’ rights is far from over. In Nevada, we continue to face challenges that threaten the well-being of working families. The cost of living is rising, and too many Nevadans work multiple jobs just to make ends meet. This is unacceptable. We must do more to ensure that every worker in our state and throughout the nation earns a living wage, has access to affordable, high-quality health care, and has the benefits they need to support their families, because one job should be enough.

As a founder and co-chair of the Congressional Labor Caucus, I am committed to advancing policies that uplift working families and secure their place in the middle class. I am proud to support efforts to raise the federal minimum wage, expand access to affordable health care and strengthen protections for workers’ rights to organize — like the PRO Act. Additionally, I am introducing the TIPS Act to abolish the $2.13 subminimum wage that some tipped workers make while also eliminating federal income taxes on tips. Tips are a gift, not a guarantee, and can’t be relied on to pay rent and other household expenses. These are not just economic issues; they are matters of justice and fairness. Every worker deserves to share in the prosperity they help create.

In addition, we must invest in workforce development and education to ensure that our workers are prepared for the jobs of the future. As technology and automation continue to reshape our economy, we must provide our workforce with the skills and training they need to thrive in a changing job market. By investing in our workers, we are investing in the future of our community and our great state.

On this Labor Day, let us honor the history of the labor movement and recommit ourselves to the fight for workers’ rights. Let us celebrate the contributions of working people throughout Nevada, whose hard work and dedication make our communities strong. And let us continue to work together to build a future where every worker is valued, respected and given the opportunity to succeed.

Happy Labor Day, Nevada!

Steven Horsford, a Democrat, represents Nevada’s 4th Congressional District.