Solidarity

For years workers fought

For safe working conditions

Despite ruthless resistance

And uncaring politicians.

 

The fight for reasonable hours

Of work was also a goal.

Workers developed a voice

Which gave them greater control.

 

The struggle for better wages--

One more of the workers' priorities--

Pitted many workers

Against unsupportive authorities.

 

Conscientious workers

United to produce

Laws that affected child labor

And protected us from abuse.

 

The diligence of American labor

Helped make our nation strong.

To deny workers their rights

Is not only thoughtless, it's wrong.

 

To extirpate rights of workers

Out of envy, disdain, or mistrust

Weakens the rights of the people

And sustains the cause of the unjust.

 

American workers deserve

To be honored and respected

And not to be tromped on like doormats

Or to be mistreated or neglected.

 

People are not objects

To be used and cast aside.

We all have our rights;

We also have our pride.

 

If we march united--

Together in solidarity--

We'll preserve our freedom

For now and for posterity.

 

(1-9-15)