Remember Frances Perkins this Labor Day, a champion of workers’ rights

Frances Perkins stands as one of the most consequential yet underrecognized figures in American labor history. As the first woman to serve in a presidential cabinet, she wielded significant influence over workplace policy and worker protections during a transformative period for American labor movements. Her work laid groundwork for many of the employment standards and safety regulations that workers today take for granted. Despite the magnitude of her contributions to labor rights, Perkins remains largely unknown to contemporary Americans. Her story deserves renewed attention, particularly during Labor Day observances when the nation reflects on workers and their struggles for fair treatment. By recovering her legacy, Americans can better understand both how modern labor protections came into being and the persistent advocacy required to maintain and advance workers' rights. Recognition of figures like Perkins serves as a reminder that progress on labor issues required dedicated champions willing to challenge the status quo.