(RALEIGH) -- The AFL-CIO and the State Employees Association held a silent protest Monday outside the General Assembly as part of a nationwide protest over what they called the loss of rights for public workers. Jeff Shaw of the NC Justice Center said the protest was important in bringing to light the problems the average worker faces.

"Sort of reminding people of Dr. King's support for labor and support for collective bargaining for all workers.  It was a vigil to sort of remind folks about a labor movement that is being silenced in state houses across the country and how important workers' rights are," said Shaw.

Protestors said they want collective bargaining rights and are mad about potential budget cuts to education and public employees.