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Between the barbecues and back-to-school sales, it’s easy to lose sight of Labor Day’s true meaning.
Most of us learned that the holiday honors workers and the labor movement. What gets overlooked is how fundamental that movement remains to democratic governance. History shows that when workers lack power, authoritarian movements fill the vacuum.
In the United States, labor unions have been undermined and under attack for decades. In fact, our labor union participation rate (currently about 10%) is about the same as that in Turkey, Hungary, and the Czech Republic—countries that have experienced democratic backsliding in recent years.
The connection runs deeper: immigrant rights and labor rights are fundamentally intertwined. You cannot advocate for one while ignoring the other.
So this Labor Day, let’s think beyond the holiday weekend. Read on for actions you can take.
Attend a local Labor Day event on September 1
Gather your family and friends and head out to one of the many Labor Day celebrations in the area.
Join the South Central Federation of Labor at LaborFest on September 1, at the Madison Labor Temple grounds. From 12–5, you’ll have the opportunity to enjoy live music, food trucks, and children’s events. When you go, be sure to stop by the WDDP table! (Interested in tabling for WDDP? Let us know.)
Before LaborFest, you can attend the Workers over Billionaires rally from 10:00–11:30 at the Capitol Square. The event is one of hundreds taking place across the country. (Do you live outside of Madison? Check out this map to find an event nearby.)
Signs of Solidarity: Help us canvass local businesses
Signs of Solidarity is a national campaign encouraging businesses, construction sites and restaurants to post signs declaring that ICE is not welcome on the premises, and is prohibited from entering spaces designated as private or employees only.
WDDP and Indivisible Madison East are organizing to canvass area businesses—and we need your help. Indivisible has developed a terrific toolkit, and WDDP will provide the signs. As we all know, personal connections are key. We need you to help us approach local businesses.
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