“In our society, it is immoral to advocate rights in the political sphere and deny them in the economic sphere. The right to a good job, to fair wages, to a decent house, to medical care, and to a quality education is the foundation for equality.”
— Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Poor People’s Campaign
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s words remind us that equality cannot exist in fragments. A society cannot proudly defend political rights while overlooking or denying the economic conditions every human being needs to live with dignity. Dr. King understood that the struggle for justice did not end at the ballot box. It extended into workplaces, homes, hospitals, and schools, into the everyday spaces where people fight for stability, opportunity, and respect. His vision for equality demanded not only legal fairness but economic security, for without both, true freedom is incomplete.
For working people, Dr. King’s message remains profoundly relevant. Across the country, millions labor through long hours, striving to provide for their families while still struggling to afford housing, medical care, or quality education. Dr. King saw this contradiction as a moral failing and strongly advocated for labor unions as a path to dignity, financial security, and a better life for their family. That struggle continues today, and is a powerful reminder of why we must continue to organize, and continuously fight to improve our contracts for our members.
Dr. King recognized that justice cannot be achieved without economic fairness. He spoke of a restructuring of values, urging society to place humanity above materialism, compassion above greed. The ongoing struggle of working people is a testament to his insight. Dignity is not something society bestows; it is carried within every individual who continues to labor, uplift, and organize. Each time a worker demands fair treatment, seeks better contract conditions, or stands with their sisters, brothers, and kin across the labor movement, they affirm the dignity of labor and remind us that no matter our craft or how we identify, when we stand together… we rise together!
As we reflect on Dr. King’s message, we are reminded that equality must be more than a promise, it must be a practice. To honor his legacy, we must continue advocating for fair wages, secure employment, quality healthcare, and education for all. Only then can we build a society rooted in justice, compassion, and the belief that every life holds value.
The IATSE Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee urges all members to reflect on these principles and use today as a day of service, strengthening our shared resolve to build a more just and equitable workplace for all.
