Together Labor Unions and the Democratic Party are the voice of the people.　 They strive to meet the social and economic needs of the community.　 Democrats and Union Members put family and children first and work hard to develop policies that move the workforce, social programs, and economy forward.　 In Lorain County we are committed to the support of our Union Brothers and Sisters to work hand and hand with the Democratic Party to elect officials who have the same vision and understanding of the social and economic issues that impact our county, region, state, and country.

Labor Day marks the official start of the election season.　 "Labor Day differs in every essential way from the other holidays of the year in any country," said Samuel Gompers, founder and longtime president of the American Federation of Labor. "All other holidays are in a more or less degree connected with conflicts and battles of man's prowess over man, of strife and discord for greed and power, of glories achieved by one nation over another. Labor Day...is devoted to no man, living or dead, to no sect, race, or nation."

Labor Day, the first Monday in September, is a creation of the labor movement and is dedicated to the social and economic achievements of American workers. It constitutes a yearly national tribute to the contributions workers have made to the strength, prosperity, and well-being of our country.

Most of us carry insurance on our cars and homes, even our lives. Try thinking of the Union as an insurance policy for the workplace. Though some may not utilize its benefits for long periods of time, it’s comforting knowing it’s there when you need it.

Unfortunately, on-the-job injustices occur all too often. When they do, local Union officers – elected by the membership - are there to assist you and take care of the issues through a highly effective, issue-solving process. Many times, problems can be resolved with minimal effort.

Perhaps the best part of being involved in a Union is that it’s member driven. Members elect who will represent them and they have a voice in the day-to-day operation of the Union.

Like a good friend, a Union is ...

· A Voice in the Workplace

· A Place for Answers

· A Strong Negotiator

· A Friend in the Workplace

· A Group of Folks Like You

A Voice in the Workplace: Union members are working people like you who have joined together for a stronger voice in the workplace – a vote and a voice that speaks up for families, health care, safety, dignity and job security.

A Place for Answers: A Union provides information, guidance and training on important work-related issues like health care, job security, workmen’s compensation, contracts, safety, the environment and retirement – so that members can make their own well-informed decisions.

A Strong Negotiator: Unions bring professional negotiators to the table with you who are fair, tough and experienced. We seek agreement from employers on industry-standard contracts, rules and practices that will benefit both employees and employers.

A Friend in the Workplace: We believe that a single person injured at work is one too many. That a single employee treated unfairly is one too many. Every day Unions work to ensure that dignity, safety and job security isn’t special treatment, it’s the way things are done.

A Group of Folks Like You: Union members are people just like you. We’re a group of people who get together to share ideas and information about workplace issues. We’re also proud to be active in our families, churches and communities.

So this Labor Day let’s celebrate the positive impact Labor Unions and Democrats have made on America. To the men and women who dedicate their lives to better wages, workplace safety and equality, job creation here at home, and putting families and children first we salute you. Together Democrats and Labor Unions will make a difference in Lorain County, Ohio, and America.

Sincerely,

John D. Hunter