Who Really Makes This Country Run?

Every year, our country celebrates Labor Day with parades, rallies, and picnics as a way to acknowledge and commemorate the contributions of our nation’s workers. But lately it seems that for many, Labor Day serves as a reminder of an economy that feels like it’s hardly working.

As of July 2012, 12.8 million people are unemployed, while at the same time, American employers continue to slash or outright deny workers a minimum wage and benefits like paid sick leave. In this economy, many low-wage workers have been left with limited bargaining leverage and fear taking action because they are worried about preserving their jobs.

Lately it’s been tough for American workers, particularly Latinos, who confront additional unique barriers in the labor market. They face not only high unemployment but also the assumption that they don’t belong in this country. Anti-immigrant rhetoric has helped fuel the scapegoating of Latino workers, limiting the possibility of increased economic security and a stronger America. But, the truth is that our economy won’t work without the workers we currently have.

Today, 22 million Latinos are at work in the U.S. It is projected that by 2018 Hispanics will represent 18 percent of the U.S. labor force, and by 2050 one in three American workers will be Latino. The Hispanic workforce is now the fastest-growing segment of our labor market. In many ways they represent the future of America’s economy. As demonstrated by their high labor participation rate and overrepresentation in growth industries, Latino workers are helping bolster our economic recovery. That’s something worth celebrating this Labor Day.

So let’s applaud our nation’s working men and women this Labor Day. But let’s also remember why America’s workers form the backbone of our nation’s economic growth. The comments that follow give voice to people throughout the country who acknowledge their role and importance in today’s labor market. We’d like to hear from you too.

Please read and share with us why our economy won’t work without you here!

Viviana: I help care for the children of my city’s government employees.

Carlos: Every day I repair our nation’s highways and bridges, making sure that American workers and their families are able to travel to work and school safely.

Natalie: Our economy won’t work without my family and I because we pick and gather fruits in California’s fields. Without our labor, many Americans would not be able to enjoy so many of our nation’s delicious produce.

Robert: I work on a team with other engineers who design semiconductors for medical devices that improve the care of millions of people around the world.

Virginia: Yo soy la única persona en mi familia que trabaja. Si no tuviera trabajo mi familia estaría viviendo en la calle y mis hijos no tendrían fe que puedan mejorar sus vidas.

Ursula: I work in one of our nation’s largest ports making sure that the goods traveling in and out of our country are timely and safe.

Paul: I have worked in this country as a teacher for 20 years and I'm here to stay!

Margie, Berkeley, Calif: - Our economy won't work without the dedication of low income Immigrant Latinos to other families homes, children, food supplies, and wellbeing. Our economy cannot flourish while some within it do not have access to the benefits and challenges that others have.

William, Philadelphia: - I one of those IT professions filling and empty market niche, keeping the computer systems, helping as many other immigrants to make this nation stronger and more productive.

Jamie, Hoover, Ala.: - The economy won't work without me because I am a legal documented worker that pays taxes like all other Americans.

Roger H., Hermosa Beach, Calif.: - Our economy won't work without me because I'm a retired person who needs to consume products made here by people here, regardless of how one spells their last name.

Alex, Honloulu, Hawaii: - I am a consumer and I pay taxes.

Rose, Minneapolis: - I am the strong middle class!!!