As the AFL-CIO's 2013 quadrennial convention kicks off in Los Angeles, we take a moment to recognize and thank the working men and women who make this movement great. 

Check out a slide show after the jump of some of the AFL-CIO affiliates. 

Barbara J. Easterling is president of the Alliance for Retired Americans. She was previously the secretary-treasurer of the Communications Workers of America.  

As we near Labor Day, I want to encourage you to help younger generations better understand why labor unions are so important. Too many people either know very little about unions or only know what politicians and Fox News tell them.

U.S. Secretary of Labor Hilda Solis sends us this. 

Today, I want to extend my warmest wishes to you, the working men and women of America. You remain the beating heart of the greatest middle class in the world. Thank you for your commitment, your talent, your hard work and your service to this country. On behalf of everyone at the Department of Labor, I'm honored to wish all of you a great Labor Day.

Currently under fire for misogynist and sexist comments, in particular his attacks on Georgetown law student Sandra Fluke, Rush Limbaugh's broadcast career has also featured an ongoing campaign against unions and union members. Limbaugh regularly describes union members as "thugs" and questions the patriotism of their actions.

Tomorrow, we are launching a new AFL-CIO website and blog with a fresh, clean look and streamlined navigation and search functions that will enable you to find what you need more efficiently across the website and blog.