Becvar is co-publisher of The Fulcrum and executive director of the Bridge Alliance Education Fund.
As summer wanes and Labor Day parades and barbecues fill our calendars, few of us will stop and reflect on the significance of this holiday. Labor Day honors the contributions of American workers and the labor movement's victories in securing fair wages, reasonable hours and safer working conditions. However, its significance extends beyond labor rights; it is deeply intertwined with the interconnected efforts to reform political systems, encourage civil discourse and foster civic engagement.
The labor movement of the late 19th and early 20th centuries was not just about better wages and working conditions. It was a powerful social force that advocated for the rights and dignity of every worker. This movement laid the groundwork for the broader social and political reforms that followed, many of which are still relevant today. Labor Day reminds us of the power of collective action and the importance of standing up for fundamental rights in all aspects of our society, including our democratic institutions.
A legacy of political reform
Labor Day’s roots trace back to the late 19th century, a period marked by intense labor struggles and the fight for workers' rights. The establishment of the holiday was a victory for labor unions advocating for better wages, reasonable hours and safer working conditions. This historical context underscores the intrinsic link between labor movements and political reform. Workers organized to improve their immediate circumstances and influence broader legislative changes that would benefit society.
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Just as the labor movement sought to correct the imbalance of power between workers and employers, today’s movement for political reform aims to address the imbalances in our political system. The concentration of power in the hands of a few, the influence of money in politics and the erosion of democratic norms have created a system where the voices of ordinary citizens are often drowned out.
Reforming our political system to make it more transparent, accountable and inclusive is essential to ensuring that our democracy works for everyone, not just the privileged few. The fight for political reform, like labor rights, requires perseverance, collective action and a willingness to challenge the status quo.
Fostering civic engagement
The labor movement was a powerful example of what can be achieved when people are engaged and active in their communities. Workers came together to demand better conditions, and their collective action brought about significant change.
This spirit of civic engagement is just as important today. We need to inspire people to get involved in their communities, participate in the democratic process and hold their elected officials accountable. Labor Day reminds us of the power of collective action and the importance of being active participants in our democracy.
None of what was accomplished in the past or what we need to accomplish in the future can be achieved without a commitment to truth and justice. Workers' rights advocates relied on honest reporting to expose the harsh realities of their working conditions and to galvanize public support for their cause. Today, the integrity of our news media is under threat, with misinformation and biased reporting undermining trust in our institutions and fueling division.
Compelling Americans to take action as participants in our democracy requires accurate information. A well-informed public is better equipped to make decisions, hold leaders accountable and participate in the democratic process.
As we honor the legacy of the labor movement this Labor Day, let’s also recognize its relevance to the modern challenges we face in our political and civic life. The principles that guided the labor movement — collective action, civil discourse, civic engagement and integrity — are the same principles that will guide us as we work to reform our political system, heal our divisions and strengthen our democracy.
Labor Day is not just a celebration of the past; it is a call to action for the future.
From top left to right, clockwise: Michela Irving, Francis X. Mazur, Aldo Terrazas, Bob Shaffer