As we approach the Labor Day holiday, become more entrenched in the new school year and welcome the joys (and agonies) of football season, it is a good time to look at what all our labor is earning us these days. WalletHub conducted its annual Labor Day survey to find out how people were feeling about the economy and their place in it.

Frustration is high. The survey showed 74% of those who participated believed inflation is erasing their hard work. Nearly two-thirds of participants said inflation had affected their Labor Day weekend plans. Ninety-three percent of people said they wanted a raise to help them keep up with inflation.

On the other hand, 67% of people said they are doing better financially than they were last Labor Day, But, 67% of people also said they believed they are working harder this year than last.

Most Americans are hard workers.

Monday’s holiday celebrates that work and the labor movement for building this country and keeping it running. Sure, there are picnics, parades and the begrudging awareness that summer is coming to an end; but it is also a good time to remember that while we are willing to work — hard — policymakers and elected officials had better be working just as hard for us.

We are willing to commit our brains and brawn to getting the job done.

Always have been.

As we celebrate that Monday — and perhaps even get a break to refresh and do it all again the next morning — policymakers and politicians must remember their job is to work FOR us, and renew their determination to do so.

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“Each year, Labor Day gives us an opportunity to recognize the invaluable contributions that working men and women make to our nation, our economy and our collective prosperity. It gives us a chance to show gratitude for workers’ grit, dedication, ingenuity and strength, which define our nation’s character.”

Tom Perez, senior advisor to the president of the United States