This Labor Day weekend, Gov. Jack Markell (D-Delaware) recognized the importance of supporting the state’s workforce in his weekly message.
More than a century ago, Congress established Labor Day as a national holiday as part of a movement to establish workers’ rights. Last year, Markell signed a bill that raised Delaware’s minimum wage to $8.25.
While much time has passed since the first Labor Day, Markell says the need to improve working conditions is still relevant.
"Our focus must turn toward a more affordable system that emphasizes quality over quantity of care. And we have no more important goal than to make high quality training, as well as good-paying jobs, available to all of our people."
Markell added that the state should prioritize the need to increase access to healthcare, invest in higher education and retrain workers to keep up with today’s fast-changing economy.
Correction: This story originally stated Gov. Markell signed a bill this year raising Delaware's minimum wage to $10.25. Similar legislation has been introduced, but state lawmakers have not approved it.
Full text of Gov. Markell's weekly message:
Labor Day has come to represent the end of the summer – a last chance for many to enjoy the season of the beach, pools, and barbeque. But as we celebrate the long weekend with friends and families, we shouldn’t forget the day’s original intent, which remains as important as ever.
There’s a famous quote that says, “without labor, nothing prospers.” From the industrial revolution to the growth of high-tech companies, the prosperity of our state and nation have been built by the hard work, perseverance, and determination of working men and women. When Congress established Labor Day as a national holiday more than 100 years ago, it marked a seminal moment in the movement to establish the rights of all workers.
Today, we have our own responsibilities to better serve working families. That includes access to good health care. We’ve made considerable progress in increasing the number of people with insurance, but our focus must turn toward a more affordable system that emphasizes quality over quantity of care. And we have no more important goal than to make high quality training, as well as good-paying jobs, available to all of our people. I was proud to sign an increase in Delaware’s minimum wage.
But we also know that we will only help all of our workers reach their potential and provide for their families if they get the skills required in today’s fast-changing economy. Our state must prioritize initiatives like retraining for workers in shrinking fields, as well as investments in the great teachers, hands-on programs, and higher education opportunities that will prepare our next generation for success.
By giving our workers the support to make the most of their talents, we’ll honor the purpose of Labor Day, and we’ll keep Delaware moving forward.