Rep. Ellison Statement on May Day

Statement

Rep. Keith Ellison (D-MN) released the following statement in honor of International Worker's Day, commonly known as May Day, and in support of the National Day of Action for "A Day Without an Immigrant."

"May Day celebrates the current and historical struggle of working class people around the world. It is because of the labor movement led-strikes and working class organizers that we have the 8-hour work day and many other worker protections. Today, our workers are under attack. As are many of our immigrant, black, brown, queer, indigenous and Muslim brothers and sisters. I stand in solidarity with all those participating in a day of action for workers' and immigrants' rights. These individuals are part of a long American tradition of demanding rights through nonviolent protest -- from sanitation workers in Mississippi to farm workers in California.

"Today's struggles -- from the fight for a $15 minimum wage, to upholding civil rights protections for all workers regardless of identity -- are still based on the inherent value and dignity of all Americans. We cannot allow millions of our hardworking fellow Americans to continue to be marginalized by unfair wages or by anti-immigrant hatred.

"I'm proud of all in our community taking a stand to show the world what a day without an immigrant is really like. By coming together, you challenge us all to imagine a better tomorrow -- a world where everyone can make it, and nobody lives in fear of their family or lives being torn apart because of their background.

"I'm proud to be with you in this fight, and I will keep leading the battle in Congress to uphold your demands through policies that protect and support us all."

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