In a Labor Day speech, President Barack Obama put Congress on the spot to put Americans back to work.

Addressing a rally in Detroit, Obama highlighted the importance of restoring economic security for middle-class Americans. Over the past decade, the American middle class has felt economic security slipping away, he said.

Obama also praised labor unions for the significant role they have played in establishing the cornerstones of middle-class security.

Check out the images of the 2011 Labor Day rally.

U.S. President Barack Obama at the 2011 Labor Day Rally
U.S. President Barack Obama at a Labor Day event at the General Motors headquarters in Detroit, Michigan, September 5, 2011. Reuters.
U.S. President Barack Obama at the 2011 Labor Day Rally.
U.S. President Barack Obama at a Labor Day event at the General Motors headquarters in Detroit, Michigan, September 5, 2011. Reuters.
U.S. President Barack Obama at the 2011 Labor Day Rally.
U.S. President Barack Obama at a Labor Day event at the General Motors headquarters in Detroit, Michigan, September 5, 2011. Reuters.
U.S. President Barack Obama at the 2011 Labor Day Rally.
U.S. President Barack Obama at a Labor Day event at the General Motors headquarters in Detroit, Michigan, September 5, 2011. Reuters.
U.S. President Barack Obama at the 2011 Labor Day Rally.
U.S. President Barack Obama at a Labor Day event at the General Motors headquarters in Detroit, Michigan, September 5, 2011. Reuters.
U.S. President Barack Obama at the 2011 Labor Day Rally.
U.S. President Barack Obama at a Labor Day event at the General Motors headquarters in Detroit, Sept. 5, 2011. Reuters.
General motors Barack obama Michigan Labor day