But everyone who earns a paycheck is a worker, and the billionaire class sees us all—farm workers, educators, computer programmers and NFL superstars alike—as disposable. The only way to create a world where all workers thrive is through solidarity in our own workplaces and across our economy.

While it would take more than a decade and multiple lawsuits, the players won free agency in 1993, which significantly improved players' power in the league.

At first glance, it may not seem like an electrician or a hotel housekeeper has much in common with an NFL player.

Players would receive severance pay when they were cut, the NFLPA would certify agents, and the NFLPA would receive copies of all player contracts.

The strike helped lay the foundation for many of the rights and benefits that today's NFL players rely on.

They failed to win the 55% goal, but the strike secured important concessions from owners. It set a minimum salary for the first time, based on years in the league. Players won the right to a second medical opinion for injuries, and to choose their own doctors.

The owners' response? A lockout, beginning September 21 and lasting 57 days. At the time, it was the longest strike in American professional sports history. The final deal that was reached was worth $1.3 billion for the players.

They couldn't even get a second opinion or choose their own doctors for on-the-field injuries. The NFL Players Association (NFLPA) demanded that players receive 55% of the league profits, as well as a minimum salary, improved rules for medical care, benefits, severance and more.

In San Diego and Imperial Counties, we are proud to count many workers of Native descent among our union members. We honor the rich heritage and modern struggles of our Native siblings.

every corner of the country. One of the most noteworthy examples are the Mohawk Skywalkers, a group of Ironworkers who have helped build many of America's most iconic skyscrapers, including the Empire State Building and the Sears Tower.

Native people found solidarity across tribes, across geographies and across cultures. Working together, people from many tribal traditions fought for recognition, honor and freedom. Native workers have made enormous contributions to America, and are proud members of unions in

But focusing only on oppression would be to ignore the incredible resilience and achievements of Native people. Native people faced unimaginable acts of cruelty and genocide, but perservered. They preserved languages, culture and knowledge even as official US policy sought to eradicate them.

Since the earliest days of America's colonial history, Native workers have been part of America's story. White colonists exploited, dispossessed, enslaved and oppressed Native Americans to build this country—a history we can't overlook or forget.