To the Journal editor:

Most Americans have been feeling the effects of the rising costs of living, from grocery bills to gas pumps. Far too many working people across this country are struggling to afford the basics, much less save for college or retirement.

“Greedflation” occurs when companies increase prices to boost corporate profits and create windfall payouts for corporate CEOs. It’s not too much to ask that during a time when workers are experiencing hardships, the wealthiest among us shouldn’t be making out like bandits.

But in 2021, the CEO pay at S&P 500 companies rose 18.2%, faster than the U.S. inflation rate of 7.1%. In contrast, U.S. workers’ wages fell behind inflation, with worker wages rising only 4.7% in 2021.

Workers are fed up and ready to fight to protect the freedoms that are central to the promise of the American dream — so we need everyone in this together.

Right now, labor unions are the single most powerful tool we have to fight for our rights as a democracy, from the ballot box to our workplaces.

But billionaires and corporate interests have spent years attacking, twisting and fracturing our labor law, leaving many workers without the chance to join a union.

Labor Day is a holiday meant to celebrate all working people. Join members of the labor movement and your community for parades, picnics, music, children’s activities and solidarity on Sept. 5 in Ishpeming from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. near Lake Bancroft or in Escanaba at Ludington Park from noon to 8 pm.

Sincerely,