Over 40 years ago, more than 25,000 IBEW members took part in a massive display of labor's unity in the face of unjust policies.

The full crowd of over 300,000 gathered on the National Mall to protest the Reagan administration's assault on vital economic and social programs on Sept. 19, 1981. Not only was every AFL-CIO affiliate represented on "Solidarity Day," but over 200 civic organizations joined as well.

The demonstration began in the morning at the Washington Monument. From there, the crowd marched peacefully to the White House Ellipse and then along Constitution Avenue, finally ending at the west front of the U.S. Capitol, where various labor leaders, members and political allies addressed the crowd.

The event successfully demonstrated labor's united front against many backward proposals coming from the Reagan administration. These included the gutting of vital federal programs; repealing of EPA guidelines for clean air and water; tax giveaways to the wealthy; and termination of laws that protect workers' wages, health and retirement.

It was the largest single gathering of IBEW members in history. They came from across the country, accompanied by families and friends. They arrived in cars, buses, and trains representing every branch of electrical work. During the march, the IBEW contingent was six blocks long, stretching the entire width of Constitution Avenue.

Speaking at the podium that day was IBEW President Charles Pillard. While acknowledging the need for a balanced budget and strong national defense, he believed that those things "could be accomplished without the workers, the poor and the elderly paying the whole cost. The ultra-conservatives in Congress, under the guise of curbing inflation, are sponsoring legislation that will set back the protective labor legislation that's been gained for workers over the past 50 years."

Pillard also took a moment to highlight the importance of lobbying for the labor movement. At the time, the Reagan administration had refused to consult or even meet with organized labor for suggestions in helping curb inflation and unemployment. "In its duty as a lobbying force for workers," said Pillard, "organized labor must raise its voice in protest on Capitol Hill when it is a consensus of opinion that our members will be economically injured from their legislative actions."

And in their place, we must "present to the administration and Congress ideas and programs that will better the social and economic needs for all our members."

The demands for labor are, and always have been, simple. The right to engage in free collective bargaining, to earn fair wages, good working conditions, safety at the job site, and security for the elderly in their retirement. And when workers secure these rights, they become duty-bound to protect them because the fight for social and economic justice is never over.

To that end, let us demonstrate in any way we can, big and small, so that every day is Solidarity Day.