Political Quotes

On the recordOctober 18, 2021
growing up in East St. Louis, both my mom and dad worked for the railroads. We weren't wealthy, but we had a comfortable life. I have come to learn how connected that was to our being a union family. I believe that more than any other force in American history, the American labor movement has created middle-class opportunity in America. Unions have won victories that have allowed American workers to buy homes, send their kids to college, and save for retirement. I know firsthand that none of this would be possible if workers did not have the freedom to advocate for fair working conditions for themselves and their families. That is why I am proud to say that Chicago is the hometown of the American Labor Movement, the site of the Haymarket Affair, the Pullman railroad strike, and the Republic Steel Strike. Today, Chicago's union members continue to be students of history and recognize the struggles of those who fought for fairness, justice, and equality at work. Throughout its 125-year history, the Chicago Federation of Labor--CFL-- has consistently fought for fair treatment of workers in Chicago, Cook County, and beyond. Though the people, challenges, and times may have changed, the CFL's mission has remained firm. Throughout its history, the CFL has organized workers across industries regardless of race, ethnicity, or nationality.…
Said by
Dick Durbin
Democratic · Illinois
Source
govinfo.gov
Oct 18, 2021

Share

More from Dick Durbin

Aug 17, 2026

Five years at $200 million amounts to $1 billion… it represents 48 hours in the war in Iran.

durbin.senate.gov
Aug 14, 2026

It’s great to be here at the EBC to celebrate the good, impactful work that is at the core of this center’s mission.

durbin.senate.gov
Aug 27, 2026

What I witnessed today illustrated President Trump and Stephen Miller’s ruthless agenda: they will go so far with their cruel immigration operation to target terrified children, forcing them to articulate their fears in front of a judge…

durbin.senate.gov
Aug 16, 2026

Senate Democrats continue to support the full repeal of Republicans’ disastrous Medicaid cuts and stand united in calling on the Trump Administration to withdraw this harmful rule.

duckworth.senate.gov

Other voices in this conversation