Restore an economy that works for the middle class, by Senator Jeff Merkley

Northwest Labor Press:

Labor Day is a time to honor the hard work of working Americans and to celebrate the great advances driven by our unions. And it’s a good time — especially this year — to ask ourselves how to restore an economy that works for working Americans.

Since the 1970s, our economy has become a massive engine that turns the hard work of millions into vast wealth for the few. Americans have become steadily more productive over time, creating more wealth. Yet the average family today is working more hours, with higher expenses, for virtually the same income as 30 years ago.

That’s technically economic growth, but it’s not success. Our economic success shouldn’t be measured by corporate profits or income growth of the top few percent. We succeed when most Americans have the chance to get ahead, and their hard work results in higher incomes.

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