On Labor Day, we honor the sacrifices and contributions of America's workers. This year, we'll call on our elected leaders to mark Labor Day by continuing to push for Good Jobs Now. On your day off, join us at events in Phoenix or Tucson.

Labor Day Unity Breakfast Hosted by the Maricopa Area Labor Federation & Arizona AFL-CIO Pointe Hilton at Squaw Peak Phoenix, AZ 8AM - 10:30 AM Speakers include: Representative Ed Pastor Representative Harry Mitchell Attorney General Terry Goddard Phoenix Mayor Phil Gordon Rebekah Friend, AZ AFL-CIO Sheri Van Horsen, MALF Details & RSVP Information

14th Annual Labor Day Picnic Hosted by the Pima Area Labor Federation & Arizona AFL-CIO Reid Park Tucson, AZ 10AM - 2PM Speakers include: Attorney General Terry Goddard Congressman Raúl Grijalva (invited) Rebekah Friend, AZ AFL-CIO Linda Hatfield, PALF Family friendly activities include: Musical acts, labor history exhibits, & "Union Olympics" games like a tug of war and hot dog eating contest. Details

Preview the AFL-CIO's Labor Day 2010 TV Spot and read more about what this year's Labor Day is all about.

In yesterday’s Primary Election, the overwhelming majority of Arizona AFL-CIO endorsed candidates won their races, benefitting from the votes and the hard work of Arizona’s union members. 82% of Arizona AFL-CIO endorsed candidates in contested primaries made their way to the general election yesterday, and 94% of the labor federation’s slate won overall.

“This outcome shows the power and strength of labor at the polls,” said Rebekah Friend, Executive Director of the Arizona AFL-CIO. “Thank you to all the brothers and sisters who walked, talked, phoned, contributed and voted. It’s a testament to the quality of our endorsed candidates that union members are so fired up about this election.”

A complete list of the Arizona AFL-CIO’s Primary Election endorsements is available here: http://bit.ly/bGMLJa.

Today the Republican leadership in the Arizona Legislature pushed through the anti-union Proposition 113 to voters, despite failing to address pressing needs like crowded classrooms and a weak job market. The 180,000 strong labor movement in Arizona will fight on against this deceptive attempt by a corporate front group to hijack the ballot measure referral process.

For more information on the events at the capitol check out our news release from today.

Statement of AZ AFL-CIO Executive Director Rebekah Friend on the passage of the unemployment insurance extension through the Senate:

"Finally, Arizona’s families will be getting the support to weather the recession that they deserve. As they stalled this vote for nearly two months, Senate Republicans caused needless suffering by denying 2 million families the resources to keep food on the table and pay for a roof over their heads.

"I find it shameful that Arizona’s Senators John McCain and Jon Kyl continue to support the Bush tax cuts for the wealthiest Americans, and yet don’t believe that Arizonans who are out of work through no fault of their own are deserving of a break. Politicians with these misplaced priorities are out of touch with working class Americans.

“I hope to see continued work by our leaders to fight for new job creation and to bring this recession to an end.”

If you or someone you care about is unemployed, visit unemploymentlifeline.com for valuable resources and join our e-activist network for continual updates on how you can make a difference in the way the country is run.