During the peak of the Industrial Revolution, workers were subjected to abhorrently unsafe working conditions, egregiously long hours, and pitifully low wages. Children as young as 6 were thrust into the labor force. The rich tapestry of the American labor movement was woven from the threads of these harsh realities.
In response to this glaring injustice, brave individuals banded together and gave birth to the labor movement. These unions brought us the weekend, the 40-hour work week, child labor laws, and a host of other protections that we often take for granted. Over the years, unions have functioned as the lifeblood of the American workforce, fighting for fair wages, reasonable hours, safer working conditions, and the legal recognition of workers’ rights.
But in the 21st century the power of labor unions is on the decline, and with it, the collective bargaining power of the American worker. Now more than ever, we need a resurgence of the pro-labor spirit that once catalyzed great changes in our society. This is why the Protecting the Right to Organize Act is of such paramount importance.
Sign the petition to Congress: Support workers. Pass the PRO Act.