To the Journal editor:

This Labor Day we recognize working people, from the early shift to the late shift, in big cities and small communities, we are the ones who keep this country running.

There are many benefits that have made our lives better thanks to union members speaking up with one voice, like an eight-hour workday, access to a living wage, decent benefits and job security. None of this would be possible without the existence of unions. Unions level the playing field and help create an economy where anyone can work for a better life, not just a few at the top. This Labor Day, let’s celebrate unions and all of the things they’ve accomplished with the working families they represent. Unions Make America Strong.

Aside from celebrating, we must truly consider what strengthens our families and communities and take a look at how public policies have diminished working peoples’ ability to sustain a good living and driven our economy out of balance. It has been the result of failed public policies and a rise in political and corporate attacks on working people.

Workers everywhere need to stand up and speak out for fundamental, lasting changes, so every family can pursue the American Dream and work for a better life. We need trade deals that strengthen labor and human rights, protect us from unsafe imports and promote the export of goods, not jobs. FAIR trade agreements will help us create jobs that allow Americans to work for a better life.

We need to raise the minimum wage. Jobs should help working people live better lives, not trap them in poverty. The Family and Medical Leave Act has kept millions of people from losing their jobs when serious medical needs arise, yet it doesn’t cover 40 percent of people on the job. When working people get sick, but lack paid time off, they often are forced to take unpaid time away from work, putting their jobs and livelihoods in jeopardy.

Others go to work sick, where they experience reduced productivity and risk infecting their co-workers. Parents without access to paid sick leave may be forced to send ailing children to school.

Let us refocus on doing what is best for our families. The labor movement is fighting back to correct the economic imbalance. Simply put, it is time to change the rules.

Tony Ghiringhelli

Marquette