At times you feel like you're the only voice speaking out to improve the working conditions of people, whether it's to be able to collectively bargain, to get adequate pay, to know that you can come home safe out of a coal mine.

In this quote, Hilda Solis emphasizes the importance of speaking up for the rights and working conditions of laborers, particularly those in dangerous industries like coal mining. She reflects on the feeling of isolation that can come with being one of the few voices advocating for improved working conditions, such as the ability to collectively bargain, receiving adequate pay, and ensuring safety at work. Solis underscores the significant role of advocacy in fighting for workers' rights and how challenging it can be to stand up for these causes, especially when it feels like there’s limited support.

Solis touches on the basic human rights that workers deserve, such as fair compensation and the assurance that they can return home safe after a long day of labor. Her statement highlights the risks associated with working conditions in industries like coal mining, where the danger of injury or death is a constant concern. The focus on collective bargaining emphasizes the importance of workers coming together to have a voice in negotiating better terms for their labor.

The origin of this quote reflects Solis’s career as a public servant and her lifelong commitment to labor rights and social justice. Having served as Secretary of Labor under President Obama, she was deeply involved in shaping policies aimed at improving workers' rights and advocating for fair treatment in the workplace. This quote reflects her broader efforts to bring attention to the struggles of working-class people.

Ultimately, Solis’s quote underscores the critical need for advocacy and solidarity in improving working conditions and fighting for workers' rights. She highlights the ongoing struggles that many face in unsafe or unfair environments, and the vital role of standing up for those who may feel powerless or alone in their efforts.