By Kirsty Brewster
In September, chicas in Club Latinitas learned about the history of Labor Day and the importance of protecting workers’ rights. Let’s have the girls tell you themselves.
“I learned that people that work get time off, and before (laws were passed to protect workers) they couldn’t take time off or be with their kids,” Mary Carmen said.
The chicas also discussed the lack of people from working class backgrounds in Congress and how having more people of different socioeconomic backgrounds could help protect workers’ rights. Program Leaders asked the girls, “If you were a congressperson, what kind of policies would you make to help workers?”
“When people work hard, they need to earn more money,” Maya said. “And sometimes they don’t get that.” Maya expressed how she felt it was unfair for certain workers to not get paid what they are worth.
Zamantha was shocked to learn kids younger than her use to work in factories and is glad laws are in place against child labor.
“I would make a law that would make companies not pay people less than $10 per hour,” she said.
For the activity, the girls made a thank you card for an essential worker. The chicas made cards for doctors, teachers and sanitation workers.
Take a look at some of their creations!
“I really enjoyed making the Thank You letters for essential workers,” Fara said. She said she will be giving her Thank You letter to the next grocery clerk she sees at H-E-B.
If there’s one thing we can all take away from the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s that we are all in this together. The next time you’re running errands, stay 6-feet apart, wear your mask and thank an essential worker.
