WASHINGTON, DC—Edward Wytkind, President of the Transportation Trades Department, AFL-CIO (TTD), issues the following statement in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.:
“As the nation celebrates the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., we are reminded of his commitment to improving the lives of all working people. In his pursuit of justice, King recognized the connection between dignity, equality and economic security, and sought middle-class status for everyone. Dr. King always understood that when we create good jobs and give people a voice in the workplace, the entire country fairs better.
“King knew that boosting collective bargaining rights was a powerful weapon in the struggle for a fairer economy and against injustice. ‘I never intend to adjust myself to economic conditions that will take necessities from the many to give luxuries to the few,’ he said.
“Dr. King’s words and teachings are as important today as they were 50 years ago. We still have a nation where too many working people must fight for basic necessities: living wages, safe working conditions and fair treatment on the job. Sadly and not coincidentally, as well financed, sinister political forces have chipped away at collective bargaining rights, America has seen its middle class crater.
“In King’s own words, ‘the labor movement did not diminish the nation’s strength, but enlarged it.’ A strong labor movement and the uninhibited right to bargain collectively are as essential to lifting up all working people today as they were when King pursued his vision for justice and quality with a drive and intensity that continue to inspire us today.”
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