Our History

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Our political party traces its roots back to the earliest struggles of workers in America, from the sweatshops of the Industrial Revolution to the modern-day fight for economic justice. We stand on the shoulders of the countless workers who have fought for their rights, dignity, and fair treatment—those who built the very foundations of this country but were often denied the rewards of their labor.

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the labor movement in the United States ignited with fierce strikes and protests led by workers demanding better wages, safer working conditions, and the right to organize. The rise of industrial giants, who profited off the backs of the working class, led to the formation of early unions like the American Federation of Labor (AFL) and the Industrial Workers of the World (IWW). These movements gave birth to the first collective bargaining agreements and fought for laws that would protect workers from exploitation.

Throughout the 20th century, labor unions grew stronger, with monumental achievements like the establishment of the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA), Social Security, the Fair Labor Standards Act, and the creation of the minimum wage. However, these victories did not come easily. Workers faced opposition from powerful corporations, corrupt political systems, and even violent crackdowns on strikes. But the resilience of the working class never wavered, and each victory paved the way for a more equitable society.

The civil rights movement of the 1960s further connected labor struggles to the fight for racial and gender equality. Leaders like A. Philip Randolph and Dolores Huerta showed that workers’ rights were inextricably linked to the rights of all marginalized groups. Through these efforts, the foundation was laid for policies such as the Equal Pay Act and the Civil Rights Act, which addressed some of the systemic barriers to equality.

In the late 20th and early 21st centuries, however, the power of workers began to wane. Globalization, deindustrialization, and corporate consolidation led to the decline of union membership and the weakening of labor protections. The rise of tech giants and the gig economy brought new challenges to workers, who were often denied benefits, job security, and a living wage.

This is where our party emerges. We are the continuation of the worker’s movement in America, built on the legacy of those who fought for fair pay, decent working conditions, and the right to organize. Our roots lie in the struggles of miners, factory workers, farm laborers, teachers, healthcare workers, and every person who contributes their labor to our economy but is left behind by the systems of power that favor the rich.

Today, we stand firm in our commitment to economic justice. We are determined to raise the federal minimum wage to a living wage, strengthen unions, end corporate welfare, and break up monopolies. We are fighting for universal healthcare, free education, and a Green New Deal that creates millions of new, unionized jobs. We advocate for the worker-owned businesses of tomorrow and a future where the wealth created by the many is shared by all.

Our history is a testament to the power of organized workers, and we continue the struggle to ensure that the workers of today and tomorrow are not just surviving—but thriving.