County Executive Melissa Agard Honors Dane County’s Working People this Labor Day

September 01, 2025
execmedia@danecounty.gov, (608) 800-1127
County Executive

DANE COUNTY– Dane County Executive Melissa Agard today released the following statement in recognition of Labor Day:

“This Labor Day, I honor the working people who make Dane County the vibrant, thriving community we are proud to call home. Every day, union members and workers across our county keep our roads clear, care for our most vulnerable neighbors, protect public health, and provide the essential services families count on. You are the backbone of Dane County’s economy. I see you, value you, and stand with you.

Labor Day feels especially poignant this year. While we celebrate the progress of the labor movement, we also face ongoing challenges at the national level. Recent efforts to weaken collective bargaining rights, roll back workplace safety protections, and restrict prevailing wage standards are direct threats to working families everywhere. Here in Dane County, we must stand together and show that these anti-labor measures have no place in our community.

Since taking office, I’ve made it a priority to strengthen our partnership with labor and ensure that the voices of workers are always at the table. Even as we face one of the most challenging budgets in recent memory, my commitment is clear: our greatest asset is our workforce, and I will continue to fight for the resources to support and sustain you.

I first came into politics during the fight over workers’ rights that has shaped organized labor in Wisconsin ever since. I spent countless hours at the Capitol in 2011 with my children, standing in solidarity with teachers, state employees, park workers, firefighters, and local government workers. That experience continues to shape how I lead and how I understand the critical importance of representation in the workplace.

I will never stop advocating for dignity, fairness, and opportunity in the workplace. When labor is strong, our whole community is strong. On this Labor Day, thank you for your service, your advocacy, and your partnership. I am honored to be your ally in county government.”