Reader's view: Unions an integral part of social justice movement

This Labor Day I reflect on the workers who contributed to Duluth's rich labor history. These workers shared a vision of a prosperous economy that recognized the essential role of workers and collective bargaining in confronting society's economic ills.

Unions always have been an integral part of a vital social-justice movement. The focus of unions has been civil rights, full employment, affordable and decent housing, voter participation, health care and retirement security, and public infrastructure (including outstanding public education).

So this Labor Day, I resolve to work to elect political leaders who will work toward a public policy that will advance the values of unions. After all, unions consist of people who work for the public good and high-quality work.

Mary Joan Connolly

Duluth

The writer is a retired member of the American Federation of Teachers and of Education Minnesota, the state teachers union.