Labor Day 2009

On this Labor Day weekend, I can’t help but think of those who labor during this time of economic uncertainty. The latest Labor Department reports an unemployment rate of 9.7 percent. We all know stories of those who are under-employed or have given up. The effects continue to ripple through our lives, personally and as a community. Many of us have to re-think our priorities and to make difficult choices as we try to stretch our resources. However, it is important to remember low-wage laborers who support a culture that still demands many services and to offer justice and compassion where needed.

From the blog of Cathleen Falsani:

"So many of the stories in the Bible revolve around labor and laborers. Field workers. Shepherds. Fishermen. Builders. Weavers. Farmers. Servants. As one Labor Sunday sermon on the United Church of Christ Web site reminded me, Jesus (as a carpenter) was himself a “low-wage worker.” In our society, workers such as child-care providers, custodians, farm workers, day laborers, sales clerks, and housekeepers typically make the lowest wages for the longest hours.

“One-quarter of all jobs in the U.S. pay poverty-level wages,” the UCC sermon says. “In addition, these jobs are more likely to require evening, night, weekend or rotating shifts. They are less likely to provide health insurance, a pension, or even paid sick leave. They are more likely to be filled by women and people of color — marginal jobs for the already marginalized. Just like Jesus.”