Labor Day is a celebration and reaffirmation of the two goals of the labor movement: dignifying work and enriching our communities and our families. While New Jersey has made great progress in these goals, our work will not be over until everyone has a job that affords workers the dignity and respect they deserve.

Labor Day is a week from today, which means Election Day is right around the corner – 71 days to be exact. While we are already working hard towards a victory on November 7^th, we hope that everyone is able to enjoy a bit of rest and family time this weekend. Whatever your plans may be, we want to thank you for all the work you do to build stronger unions and communities. These may be challenging times, but our shared middle class values will continue to drive us forward.

Be sure to celebrate the contributions of labor to our communities at any of the following Labor Day events:

Today, August 18^th, is the 97^th anniversary of the ratification of the 19^th amendment. This amendment, which gives women the right to vote, was nicknamed the Anthony Amendment after Susan B. Anthony. Though she is famous for fighting for women’s suffrage, she originally became an activist to fight for abolition and equal pay. It wasn’t until she spoke at the U.S. National Council of Women that she explained, "I wasn't ready to vote, didn't want to vote, but I did want equal pay for equal work." She realized that the key to affecting any change was having a voice through voting.

As the New Jersey State AFL-CIO Labor Candidates School marks its 21^st year, we are proud to congratulate this year’s graduating class of 33 rank-and-file union members, who will be running for offices across our state from the municipal to county level. In addition, there are 23 Labor Candidates School alumni, who will seek reelection to office this year, including seven members of the State Legislature.

For photos of this year’s class, please CLICK HERE.

As the nation begins to heal from the vicious act of terror committed in Charlottesville, we will keep in our hearts the memory of those who were injured or lost their lives. Those who stood up against the hatred and bigotry of white supremacists and intolerance of any kind, demonstrate the true values of this nation. Those who carry the banner of hate, bear the responsibility of this tragedy, and must be unequivocally condemned. We have come too far as a nation to turn back.

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The New Jersey State AFL-CIO was proud to join our union brother and congressman, Honorable Donald Norcross, for a panel discussion that focused on how to improve the lives of all working families through legislative and political action. The panel featured several members of Congress, and we thank our many affiliates, who joined to participate in the discussion.

Gubernatorial candidate Phil Murphy will join for a labor/community forum sponsored by our CWA 1036 brothers and sisters and the Burlington Central Labor Council. There is no better time than right now to discuss the issues critical to you and your family, and we invite you to join for what will be a proactive and insightful discussion.

RSVP is required, and admission to the event is free. Please see below for details: