Honoring the Workers Who Make Our Summers Possible

Dear LaborPress Community,

When we think of summer, we often think of relaxation: road trips, barbecues, hikes through national parks, beach days, and warm evenings spent with loved ones. But what often goes unseen—and too rarely gets the recognition it deserves—are the union workers who make all those moments possible.

This July, LaborPress is proud to recognize and celebrate the men and women whose labor powers our summer traditions and safeguards our seasonal adventures. From the union park rangers protecting our national treasures, to the transit workers getting us to our destinations, to the lifeguards and sanitation workers who keep our cities and beaches clean and safe—these are the unsung heroes of the American summer.

And they deserve more than just a passing thank you.

The People Behind Our Public Lands

Our national parks are among the most cherished landmarks in the country. Every summer, millions of families pile into cars and RVs to visit these breathtaking places—from Yellowstone to the Everglades, from Yosemite to the Blue Ridge Parkway. But behind every safe hiking trail, every clean visitor center, and every ranger-led campfire talk is a dedicated workforce—many of them union members—who ensure our parks remain accessible, protected, and welcoming.

National Park Service employees, often represented by unions like the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) and National Treasury Employees Union (NTEU), work long hours in heat, rain, and sometimes dangerous conditions. They repair trails, monitor wildlife, assist lost hikers, and manage fire prevention. They don’t just preserve nature—they preserve the summer memories of millions of families each year.

And yet, they do so quietly, often underfunded and overlooked. LaborPress stands with them—not just in recognition, but in advocacy. These workers are stewards of our shared national heritage, and they deserve our full support.

The Union Members Behind the Wheel

From local bus drivers to airline crews, train conductors, highway maintenance workers, and toll booth operators—union transportation workers keep America moving during its busiest travel season. They get us to family reunions, weddings, beaches, and national parks. And they do it all while managing crowds, tight schedules, rising temperatures, and ever-evolving safety demands.

Members of the Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU), Transport Workers Union (TWU), and International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM), among others, are not just employees—they are lifelines for summer travel. They ensure our buses run on time, our baggage arrives safely, and our roads remain open and maintained.

This summer, when you ride a bus, board a plane, or pass a construction crew fixing a stretch of hot pavement, take a moment to think about the commitment that goes into keeping our roads and rails open—and the people doing that work with pride, dignity, and union protection.

Keeping Us Safe in the Sun

As the heat rises, so does the importance of safety. Lifeguards, paramedics, sanitation workers, utility teams, and public safety professionals—all play a role in preventing summer from turning tragic. Many of these professionals are union members working grueling shifts to ensure others can enjoy their summer without worry.

AFSCME, IAFF, SEIU, and countless other unions represent workers who clean our parks, maintain public restrooms, monitor air and water quality, and provide emergency services when things go wrong.

Summer is supposed to be carefree. These workers make that possible.

Behind Every Event, a Team of Union Hands

Concerts, parades, festivals, and firework displays don’t happen on their own. Behind every summer event is a coordinated team of skilled labor—stagehands, lighting techs, electricians, sound engineers, roadies, and security crews—many of them proudly union.

Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE), International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW), and many others provide the skill and safety to create the events that bring us together each summer. Their work ensures not just entertainment—but access, professionalism, and protection for performers and crowds alike.

This is labor that brings joy. It connects people. And it’s too often invisible.

Gratitude Isn’t Enough—But It’s a Start

We often say, “Labor never takes a break.” That couldn’t be more true in summer.

While many Americans take vacation days, union workers show up—in airports, on job sites, in ranger uniforms and safety vests—day in and day out. They work holidays and weekends, enduring heat, long hours, and sometimes dangerous conditions to provide safety, beauty, and connection for the rest of us.

So this July, as we enjoy our own summer moments, let’s do more than say thanks. Let’s show up for them. Let’s advocate for their contracts. Let’s support policies that protect their jobs, pensions, and health. Let’s tell their stories.

Because when we recognize labor, we’re recognizing something greater: our shared commitment to a country where everyone’s contributions matter, where no one is invisible, and where work is honored as the backbone of community life.

From My Family to Yours

As someone who spent my career in education and labor advocacy before founding LaborPress, I’ve seen firsthand the resilience, pride, and purpose that union members bring to every role. That’s why LaborPress exists: to tell your stories, fight for your visibility, and amplify the power of your collective voice.

I hope this summer gives you time to rest, recharge, and enjoy the fruits of your labor. And I hope you’ll join us this month as we celebrate those who make it all possible.

Here’s to the workers behind the summer—and to every union member who brings light, safety, and joy to the hottest months of the year.

In solidarity and gratitude,
Neal Tepel
Founder & Publisher, LaborPress