Maybe you’re sneaking in the last beach getaway of the summer. 

Maybe you’re firing up the barbecue with friends and neighbors. 

Perhaps you are working today.

Whatever your plans, it’s worth taking a moment to celebrate the economic achievements of the American worker. 

History of Labor Day

Labor Day was first proposed by labor unions during the late 1800s as a way to honor the contributions that American workers make to the prosperity and well-being of the nation.

There is much to recognize as the Department of Labor explains:

American labor has raised the nation’s standard of living and contributed to the greatest production the world has ever known and the labor movement has brought us closer to the realization of our traditional ideals of economic and political democracy. It is appropriate, therefore, that the nation pays tribute on Labor Day to the creator of so much of the nation’s strength, freedom, and leadership – the American worker.

However, there are real concerns about the situation and challenges that workers—especially women—face in the economy:

  • Job growth is slowing.
  • Nearly 1 million fewer jobs were created last year than estimated.
  • Women’s unemployment is trending up rising—hitting a level not seen since the end of 2021.
  • Wage growth slowed to its weakest annual rate since May 2021.
  • Job openings fell in June to the second-lowest level since March 2021.
  • New workers seeking unemployment benefits hit the highest point in a year.
  • More Americans are holding down more than one job to make ends meet.
  • Women outpace men in holding down more than one job.

Gone are the Great Reshuffle days during the pandemic when a person could leave their job and quickly obtain a job offer or more.

For a fourth Labor Day in a row, American workers are struggling with the affordability crisis.

Although wages have risen, they have not kept pace with inflation. Prices are up 20% since the start of 2021. Simply, put, the American workers have taken a pay cut.

Working poor and low-income households disproportionately feel the pain of 3.5 years of inflation on food, goods, and housing, as well as high interest rates.

How the Biden-Harris Administration affects workers

Instead of helping, the Biden-Harris Administration is undercutting Americans’ ability to earn extra income through gig work or work independently as a self-employed independent contractor.

The Biden-Harris Labor Department enacted a new rule that increased the confusion over who is classified as an independent contractor versus an employee. This uncertainty puts the 60+ million Americans who have engaged in freelance work over the past year in limbo.

Our Chasing Work campaign tells the stories of individuals who have been harmed by similar regulations on California as well as those who worry about what this national regulation will mean for them. 

If the rule is enforced, independent workers—from florists and writers to owner-operator truckers and Uber drivers—would have to be hired by their clients as employees even if they prefer to remain independent or whether their clients can afford to hire them as employees. Or else they face the heavy hand of government.

This administration is tying businesses up in new red tape, imposing costly new regulations on small businesses, and seeking to hike taxes.

Check out our 2024 Working for Women report. 

In it, we offer policy solutions that advance women’s prospects in the economy. By encouraging reforms that return resources and control to individuals, women can make choices that best suit themselves and their families.

So as we honor the American worker, let’s push back on the government’s opportunity-killing policies that claim to help but hold her back.