Celebrate Labor Day with Justice
Submitted by Marguerite Thompson
Since 1894 we have celebrated Labor Day within the United States in recognition of the contribution of workers to our society. As a faith community we recognize work itself as our participation in God’s creative action in the world, not just a way to survive. It is still the case that there are many low wage jobs that are insufficient to support a family or even oneself in the U.S. and around the world. From the U.S. Bishops Conference (USCCB) we hear, “The economy must serve people, not the other way around. Work is more than a way to make a living; it is a form of continuing participation in God’s creation. If the dignity of work is to be protected, then the basic rights of workers must be respected–the right to productive work, to decent and fair wages, to the organization and joining of unions, to private property, and to economic initiative.”
As we celebrate all workers this week, we ask ourselves: how do we – in our own everyday lives – foster justice in workplaces for our brothers and sisters?