The following is a compilation of the messages and tributes put forth by Florida’s elected officials and politicians in honor of Labor Day:
DNC Chair and U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz:
“This Labor Day, like every day, the Democratic Party reaffirms our commitment to America’s working men and women. Every hardworking American deserves a fair shot and a chance to get ahead. Every hardworking American is entitled to earn a living wage on which they can support their family, to afford a quality education and reliable child care for their children, and to save for a secure retirement. Access to quality, affordable health care is a right, not a privilege granted by one’s employer. And no American should face discrimination in the workplace based on who they are or whom they love. These are the cornerstones of a middle class life which all Americans deserve the opportunity to achieve.
“For more than a century, organized labor has been essential in helping secure these rights and others for working Americans. Democrats continue to stand with American workers in fighting to protect the right to collectively bargain, for an increase in the minimum wage, to guarantee equal pay for women in the workplace, to implement trade policies that protect the rights of workers at home and abroad, and to pursue comprehensive immigration reform that protects workers from being taken advantage of by a broken immigration system.
“The Democratic Party embraces American workers and organized labor as a partner in shared prosperity, while Republicans view them as an adversary to be defeated. We will continue fighting for America’s middle class families, and those still climbing the ladders of success to get there.”
U.S. Rep. Gwen Graham:
There are many reasons I’m proud to call North Florida my home. But one of the things that makes me most proud of our district is our dedication and work ethic.
Here in North Florida, we know that hard work is the key to success — not just for ourselves and for our families, but for the greater community.
When we work hard together, we can accomplish great things. That’s The North Florida Way, and what guides me every step of the way in Washington.
So today, as you’re getting together at barbecues and family gatherings, remember to thank the people around you who work tirelessly to strengthen our families and community, and celebrate the hard work YOU do every day.
Happy Labor Day!
Congressional candidate Melissa McKinlay:
Happy Labor Day! May your family have a relaxing and safe holiday.
State Sen. Rob Bradley, via Twitter:
Happy Labor Day from the Bradley family to yours!
State Sen. Joe Negron, via Twitter:
Happy #LaborDay to all of our hardworking Floridians. Appreciate your contribution to the betterment of our state and economy!
State Sen. Darren Soto:
This Labor Day, we celebrate the workers that make our country great and the progress we’ve made to improve their working conditions. We’ve come a long way, ending child labor laws, protecting workers against exploitation and dangerous conditions, creating a minimum wage, and protecting the right to organize. But the battle isn’t over, and we still have a lot of work ahead of us.
Workers deserve to be paid for their work. That’s why I get fired up when I hear about businesses that refuse to pay their employees for their hours. Wage theft is a disgrace and employers that deny their workers due pay should be held accountable.
The Florida Legislature dropped the ball, leaving Floridians vulnerable to wage theft. The Republicans fought tooth-and-nail to allow businesses to get out of paying their workers. First, they dismantled our state’s wage theft protection programs. Now they’re attacking local ordinances, such as Miami-Dade’s, which have proven successful at protecting workers from wage theft.
In the Legislature, I’ve led the charge to prevent employers from taking advantage of their workers. Time and time again, I voted against proposals to roll back the progress we’ve made – and I’m not stopping now. With you by my side, we can take this fight to Congress and prevent employers from robbing the fruits of their labor.
I hope you’re enjoying your Labor Day weekend!
State Rep. Heather Fitzenhagen:
State Rep. Shawn Harrison:
State Rep. Ray Pilon:
