Why Workers Might Want to Thank Martin Luther King, Jr.

While many praise Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. for his good work, they rarely think of him as a labor and employment leader. However, Dr. King cared about workers' rights and believed they were key to equality.

All Americans know about King’s championing equal rights. However, Dr. King’s legacy also includes his fight for all groups that lack the power to protect themselves.

If you're lucky enough to have MLK Day off, take a minute to reflect on why we celebrate this National Day of Service. Here, we’ll discuss three reasons why MLK deserves thanks from us workers, even those who have to work on Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

Martin Luther King, Jr.’s Advocacy of Anti-Discrimination Policies

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was integral to the Civil Rights movement in the United States. His work was in part responsible for the implementation of the Civil Rights Act.

King fought for racial equality, both in and out of the workplace. Dr. King’s vision was that people would no longer judge others based on the color of their skin.

Thanks, in part, to King’s work, it is now illegal for employers to discriminate based on race and other protected categories in any aspect of employment.

Union Rights and Economic Justice for All Workers

King stood for more than nonviolence and equality, regardless of race or ethnicity. The week he died, Dr. King was working with the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) on behalf of sanitation workers in Tennessee.

He stood with AFSCME workers on strike for better treatment and higher wages. If it weren’t for his support of that union, King probably wouldn’t have been in Memphis on April 4, 1968, and may have gone on to live a full life. Tragically, he paid the ultimate price for his causes.

Working Conditions and Indirect Discrimination at Work

Since MLK’s death, the anti-discrimination laws in this country have expanded beyond racism at work. These laws prohibit employers from engaging in practices that alienate any minority group.

If your employer makes you feel uncomfortable because of your race, ethnicity, sex, or some other defining characteristic, you have recourse. While Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. may not have written the laws that protect you and your coworkers, his actions undoubtedly shaped it.

Experiencing Disparities at Work? An Employment Lawyer Can Help

If you’re the victim of employment discrimination or feel you’ve lost job opportunities due to your race or ethnicity, contact an employment attorney immediately. People like Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. gave their lives to ensure that people like you can enjoy equality in the workplace. An experienced discrimination lawyer can help protect your rights.

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