Hirono Observes Labor Day

Senator Mazie K. Hirono released the following statement in observation of Labor Day:

“Today, as families in Hawaii and across the country celebrate Labor Day, we thank the generations of men and women who sacrificed for basic rights that we enjoy. Hawaii’s rich tradition of organized labor began more than 80 years ago, when the first ILWU organizers brought together laborers across plantations and canneries, from different nationalities and belief systems, to stand for safe working conditions and fair wages, which form the foundation of the middle class.

“But even as we celebrate these victories, we cannot take them for granted. Unions continue to fight to represent Hawaii’s workers as our last plantation closes, as our visitor and health care industries evolve, and as attacks against organized labor continue nationwide. Working side by side with workers and advocates we must continue our fight for livable wages and income equality, safeguard and expand workplace protections, and strengthen our country’s working class.”