North Cook News

EVANSTON – On September 4, U.S. Representative Jan Schakowsky (IL-09), a Chief Deputy Whip and the Ranking Member of the Innovation, Data, and Commerce Subcommittee of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, released the following statement in observance of Labor Day: 

“Every Labor Day, we come together to honor the millions of American workers that keep our economy strong. It is their hard work, talent, and productivity that make our country prosperous, and they deserve to be celebrated today and every day.

“This year, I’m especially happy to celebrate in the midst of an economic boom brought about by Bidenomics. Nearly 13.5 million jobs have been created since President Joe Biden took office, wages are on the rise, and unemployment reached a 54-year low earlier this year. This is a direct result of the pro-worker policies put forth by the Biden Administration and Democrats in Congress. Bidenomics is working, and it is helping working-class families thrive.

“Union workers are the backbone of our communities. Right now, there is a worker-powered movement sweeping the nation. Union election petitions to the National Labor Relations Board are up 56% year over year. But at the same time, we see the biggest companies—such as Amazon and Starbucks—mounting hostile campaigns toward their workers seeking a voice in the workplace. I stand with these workers who are demanding a seat at the table and who are exercising their lawful right to organize. America’s workers are one of our country's greatest strengths, and they have the right to have a voice.

“We are the richest country in the world at the richest moment in history. All workers deserve a living wage. Currently, the federal minimum wage has not been raised since 2009, when it was set to $7.25, and the federal tipped minimum has been stuck at $2.13 since 1991. In Illinois, the minimum wage for tipped workers is $7.80, far below the amount needed to live comfortably in our great state. I am proud to be on the front lines with activists from One Fair Wage calling for an increase to the minimum wage. I promise to keep fighting for policies that will benefit workers in our state and beyond.

“With the help of the Biden Administration, Democrats in Congress, and advocates across the country, I know we can help ensure that all workers—not just CEOs and the wealthy—are respected, protected, and paid fairly. To every American who works day in and day out to keep our country going, thank you. Happy Labor Day!”

Original source can be found here.