NORTH BERGEN, NJ (Monday, September 6, 2021) — As America celebrates Labor Day 2021, I am enormously proud of the men and women of the International Longshoremen’s Association who distinguish themselves as this country’s hardest and most productive workers. ILA longshore workers have earned the title of America’s bravest and most dedicated as well. For nearly two years, ILA workers have kept commerce moving and our ports open throughout this horrible world-wide COVID pandemic.
Hospitals got supplies; grocery stores remained open and full, and our nation’s commerce continued to expand and flourish thanks to ILA members.
The ILA remains the I Love America union, and I recently saw the need to take a firm stand to protect every American’s right to free choice. I condemned the heavy-handed tactics of our Federal, State and Local Lawmakers who were trampling on our rights by trying to enact mandatory vaccinations, against the will of some of our American citizens.
Labor Day dates back to the late 1800s in the United States and was created by the Labor Movement to recognize the contribution and achievements of the American Workers. Workers’ rights and freedom were threatened then, just as they are today. On this Labor Day 2021, the ILA reaffirms its commitment to fight for its members and to champion freedom, justice, and equality for all. Workers deserve respect and should be compensated for their labors and their contributions to helping America grow.
I wish all my members and their families a Happy, Healthy and Safe Labor Day and thank you for your support of my Administration and for the greatest Labor Union in America – the International Longshoremen’s Association.
God Bless you all and God Bless America.