“The labor movement was the principal force that transformed misery and despair into hope and progress. Out of its bold struggles, economic and social reform gave birth to unemployment insurance, old age pensions, government relief for the destitute, and, above all, new wage levels that meant not mere survival but a tolerable life.”
Dear Sisters and Brothers:
It may surprise you to learn that the words above were spoken by the late Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Dr. King dedicated his life to the fight for equality, justice, opportunity, and dignity for all people. As the leader of the Civil Rights Movement in the 1960’s, Dr. King’s legacy and accomplishments live on through the work of those who came behind him, and those who have never given up on his dream of a better future where people would not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character.
In addition to his civil rights activism, Dr. King was a steadfast and passionate supporter of labor, and labor unions. In a speech to the Illinois AFL-CIO in 1965, King said, “The two most dynamic movements that reshaped the nation during the past three decades are the labor and civil rights movements. Our combined strength is potentially enormous.”
And he was right. Unions have always stood for the same principles as Dr. King, and we have always fought for equality and justice for our workers and a better quality of life for our families. In many ways the fight is no less urgent and no less significant today, and if Dr. King’s dream is to be realized, we as union members must lead the way.
As we remember Dr. King on Monday, the National Day of Service, may we renew our commitment to uphold and share the values he taught us, our union values, not only on the job, but in our communities and homes as well. With best wishes we remain
Sincerely and fraternally,
John M. Coveny, Jr.
President/Directing General Chair
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