Dear Friends,
Labor Day is a powerful reminder that working people and labor unions are why we have some of the fundamental rights and freedoms we enjoy today. Hard-won victories like the 40-hour workweek, weekends, child labor laws, and fair and safe working conditions were not freely given—they were demanded and won through the perseverance and sacrifices of working people who came before us.
That struggle is far from over. We strive to build a world that creates equitable opportunities for everyone, one where basic needs are met and everyone has a fair chance to thrive. Too many people still work hard every day for unfair wages that don’t pay enough for them to support their families, put food on the table, and build a better life. They face barriers to opportunity instead of paths to prosperity. This is especially true for Black and Brown workers, women, disabled people, and others who face wage gaps and systemic inequity. Now, more than ever, we must recommit ourselves to the fight for fairness, equity, and a future where everyone can have their needs met and thrive with equal opportunities for all.
In Harris County, we are committed to this mission year-round. Our Harris PROSPERS (Pathways to Realize Opportunity, Security, Potential, Equity, Resilience, and Safety) is a blueprint for fairness, inclusivity, and shared prosperity through a set of investments to ensure everyone has a safe roof over their heads, an income floor to support basic needs, and access to good jobs that pay a living wage.
My office is proud to work on the following PROSPERS policies and programs that aim to build a more inclusive economy that works for everyone:
- Living Wage: Harris County is leading by example in the fight for living wages. The county’s living wage policy brings better-paying jobs to our region and builds on our local hiring policies and other community benefits that the county already requires on its contracts.
- Worker Protections: In Harris County, we prioritize the safety and well-being of working people. We now require county contractors to provide Occupational and Safety Health Administration (OSHA) safety training for construction jobs to empower workers with the knowledge and tools to stay safe on the job.
- Access to Good-Paying Jobs: The Apprenticeship Readiness Program, in collaboration with labor unions and non-profits, is breaking down barriers to entry for individuals in underserved areas. This program provides training in high-demand industries such as construction, public transportation, tech, and other trades, paving the way for individuals to access good jobs. Program participants can learn while they earn and are paid well for their work on their way to stable careers and economic opportunities.
- Second Chance Hiring Policy: Formerly incarcerated people have the highest unemployment rates and are more likely to face unfair barriers to employment. In Harris County, our second chance policy bans county departments from asking about an applicant’s criminal history, which helps prevent employment discrimination.
As we reflect on Labor Day, let us remember that progress is achieved when we organize for better conditions together, united in purpose. Let’s keep pushing forward to win working people the respect and opportunities they deserve.
Solidarity Forever,
Rodney Ellis