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Lyrics
1938, Congress wrote it in ink,
Fair Labor Standards Act, that changed how we think
Forty hours on the clock, not a lifetime on call,
Overtime pay after that, minimum wage for all.
That wasn’t charity, that was bargaining done
From picket lines to pages, that’s how the fight was won.
Who do we thank for Social Security?
(The labor movement)
Who got Medicare passed?
(Labor unions)
Who won the weekend and overtime pay?
(Labor did)
Who made the shop floor safe to breathe?
(Labor)
For the wage-earner’s pursuit of happiness, we say:
First Monday every September: Labor Day.
What we win together, we keep…thank a union today.
1970, OSHA put teeth in the rule:
Guards on the presses, clean air at the tool.
You can stop unsafe work and call it what it is,
Inspections on the floor, not a boss’s wish.
And when a back gets broken or a hand gets burned,
Workers’ compensation pays while your strength returns.
Who do we thank for Social Security?
(The labor movement)
Who got Medicare passed?
(Labor unions)
Who won the weekend and overtime pay?
(Labor did)
Who made the shop floor safe to breathe?
(Labor)
For the wage-earner’s pursuit of happiness, we say:
First Monday every September: Labor Day.
What we win together, we keep…thank a union today.
No more twelve-year-olds on the graveyard shift,
The statutes drew the line and shut that grift.
Paid sick days, holidays, vacation came first
Through union contracts, that’s how benefits burst.
1993, when life says “stay,”
Job’s still there when you’re back: F-M-L-A.
1935: Social Security checks,
Keep a light on in winter when the body says “rest.”
1965: Medicare for the old,
Doctor bills don’t drown you when the nights get cold.
Lose your job in a downturn you didn’t cause?
Unemployment insurance, that’s part of the laws.
And even if you’ve never signed a union card,
Union standards lift your wages…card or not.
Who do we thank for Social Security?
(The labor movement)
Who got Medicare passed?
(Labor unions)
Who won the weekend and overtime pay?
(Labor did)
Who made the shop floor safe to breathe?
(Labor)
For the wage-earner’s pursuit of happiness, we say:
First Monday every September: Labor Day.
What we win together, we keep…thank a union today.
You are so amazing David!! Thank you for keeping our spirits up ❤️💜❤️💙