Nearly two years after an historic election, working people have seen big change—yet we’ve also seen some things stay the same or get worse. The deep hole dug by the Bush economic policies is a continuing trap for us. We have further to go. But one thing is certain: We can’t turn back to the policies of a Bush economy, and Republicans in Congress have been very clear that’s where they want to steer us.

This election is a defining moment for working people.

This Labor Day, the AFL-CIO is fighting a path that leads to an economy that works for everyone. In this economic crisis, we are calling for policies that will help us build broadly shared prosperity and for the election of people who support these policies:

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  Labor Secretary Hilda Solis's Labor Day message for workers.
  Put America to work immediately: Help jobless workers and small business, provide aid for high-need communities and aid to state and cities to avoid layoffs.
  
  
• Build a middle-class economy: Rebuild crumbling infrastructure, invest in green technology, end outsourcing and tax policies that reward companies that go overseas and support “Made in America” policies.
  
  
• Restore job quality and quality of life: Restore the freedom of workers to join unions, ensure safe workplaces, pass immigration reform, preserve Social Security and Medicare and protect pensions, good health care and a secure retirement.
  
  
• Protect Main Street, not Wall Street: Fix the home foreclosure crisis, improve access to affordable housing, protect consumers and break up the biggest banks.