On this Labor Day, let us not forget the roots of this national holiday originally proposed in 1882 by the Central Labor Union of New York as a day to pay tribute to the working class. These men and women over the centuries made important contributions to our great state that should be celebrated. But there is still work to do on behalf of workers. We must continue to fight for a living wage, not the minimum wage of $8 an hour, so we can raise more people out of poverty. And we must make sure the workplace is a safe one, with equal protections and pay.