Labor Day

by John Johnson, Jr., President Transport Workers Union Local 234 

“Which Side Are You On?” is a song written in 1931 by Florence Reece, the wife of an organizer for the United Mine Workers. The lyric, “It seems like it's illegal to fight for the union anymore,” feels very current. Even the right to collective bargain is under attack by state governments. This push against unions is raising questions about basic workers’ rights.  

Unions are a very important part of American history, yet it is a topic rarely taught in schools. Labor Day is a time to reflect upon all the gains won by the labor movement for all workers and why we have the right to be proud of who we are, what we stand for and our history. 

By Rose Espinola, UPenn SLAP member

On April 29, approximately 50 students from the University of Pennsylvania (Penn),came together for a letter drop and rally in support of the hotel workers at HEI Hotels & Resorts. They were joined by two workers from an HEI hotel in Northern Virginia.

This video was produced by Philadelphia Student Union and Media Mobilizing Project as part of the ongoing series: Our City Our Voices