Labor Day is coming up next Monday, allowing us a time to pause and honor the immense contributions of the laborers who have and continue to drive the prosperity of Virginia and our nation. I plan to celebrate the holiday this weekend by serving meals to the many union members attending NoVA Labor's Annual Labor Day Picnic at Fort Hunt Park here in the 16th District.
In recent years, there has been an increased focus on supporting workers' rights, which has been a cornerstone of the current Biden-Harris administration's policies. President Biden, recognized as one of the most pro-union leaders in history, has championed the cause of working families by emphasizing economic growth that benefits all, not just the wealthiest few.
The achievements for workers under the Biden-Harris administration are significant. Over 15 million jobs have been created, including 800,000 high-paying manufacturing roles. Notably, manufacturing employment numbers have soared past pre-pandemic levels, making this post-recession gain the strongest in 72 years, and the second-strongest since World War II. This job creation has been accompanied by wage growth that surpasses inflation, improving the standard of living for many, with lower-wage workers experiencing the most notable gains. According to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, Virginia’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate currently sits at 2.7 percent, a near-historic low, and job growth has surpassed pre-pandemic levels.
A key focus of the administration has been on modernizing apprenticeship programs, opening pathways to well-paying union jobs. Another significant accomplishment has been the preservation of pensions for hundreds of thousands of union workers and retirees, securing their financial futures. Additionally, raising the minimum wage for federal workers and contractors has ensured fair compensation. Here in Virginia, the minimum wage goes up to $12.41 on Jan. 1, 2025. In our community along Richmond Highway, residents benefit from workforce development and apprenticeship opportunities available at the WISH Center in the Hybla Valley Community Center.
The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the CHIPS and Science Act, and the Inflation Reduction Act have also been instrumental in supporting workers. These laws include prevailing wage requirements, ensuring fair pay for those working on federally funded projects. However, while federal initiatives are crucial, numerous challenges for workers remain at the state level.
In Virginia, despite legislative victories like the minimum wage increase, allowing localities to engage in collective bargaining, and expansions in worker compensation, there is a pressing need to address Virginia's so-called "Right to Work" law. This law, dating back to 1947 and steeped in a history of racism, was designed to weaken unions and maintain segregation. Despite its misleading name, "Right to Work" laws do not secure employment but rather undermine workers' ability to bargain collectively for better wages, benefits, and working conditions. By allowing workers to benefit from union negotiations without contributing financially, these laws dilute the power of unions.
The link between "Right to Work" laws and income inequality is clear. Unionized workers typically earn 15-20 percent more than their non-union peers, and these wage disparities disproportionately affect women and people of color who often work in unionized industries. Repealing Virginia's "Right to Work" law is thus not just an issue of economic justice but one of racial justice as well.
As Virginia continues to confront its history and dismantle discriminatory laws, replacing "Right to Work" with a Virginia PRO Act, similar to the bill that Congressman Bobby Scott first introduced in 2019 which protects the basic right to join a union, presents a crucial opportunity to advance equity and justice for all workers. Aligning our labor laws with 21st-century values will empower every worker to advocate for fair wages, workplace protections, and a brighter future.
In conclusion, Labor Day is a powerful reminder of the contributions workers make and the ongoing fight to secure their rights. While federal progress under President Biden and Vice President Harris has been significant, the struggle continues, especially in states like Virginia, where outdated laws hinder employees' rights to organize and collectively bargain. As we move forward, it is imperative to renew our commitment to ensuring that every worker is treated fairly, their contributions are recognized, and their rights are protected.