Two weeks ago, the nation once again observed Labor Day, a creation of the labor movement, it has been a national holiday since 1894, dedicated to the social and economic achievements of American workers. Since the “National Labor Relations Act,” in 1935, labor regulations are enforced by the National Labor Relations Board, which is currently dominated by Republicans.

Today, American labor is in dire straits. We are significantly behind Europe. No guarantee for paid vacation, parental, or sick leave.

Between 1950 and 2013, real wage income for the bottom 90 percent increased by 70 percent. Meanwhile, Europe’s increase was 150 percent to 250 percent.

Since the 1970s, worker productivity has increased by 74 percent, while workers’ wages have increased by 9 percent. The top 1 percent wages rose 138 percent.

Since 1970 union membership has reduced from 29 percent to 10 percent. This means only 10 percent have someone acting on their behalf to enforce labor regulations or to collectively bargain wages, benefits, and retirement.

The federal minimum wage has remained at $7.25 per hour since 2009. Minimum wage earners are mostly adults, some sole family income providers.

We need more unions and an increased minimum wage. You know who to vote for, and it isn’t Republicans!

Richard Metayer

Mystic