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Lexington - Labor Roundtable
A Labor/Worker Forum at the Community Inn in Lexington, KY
By Sister Loretta Spotila, CSA
October 2, 2014
The Nuns on the Bus stopped at the Community Inn
in Lexington, KY Thursday morning. There we met with Fr. John Rausch, a
Glenmary priest, leaders representing over 6 different unions, volunteers and
others. In convening this Labor Forum, Sr. Simone Campbell, SSS asked the group
what concerns they had about Kentucky’s working conditions and what could be
done to resolve related problems.
Some concerns mentioned were the low minimum wage, the
Kentucky Right to Work bill, wages without benefits, corporate exploitation of
the worker and company greed, and lack of skilled trades people to fill jobs. Also
mentioned were today’s declining connections among families and neighbors, and
between company workers and executives.
Of interest to me was that almost everyone referred to
these as moral issues! As a Catholic Sister who grew up in a family of union
workers, I grew up hearing about many of these issues and knew several had been
resolved in the past, thanks to interventions by the unions. And yet, today
we are still discussing them!
But then there were glimmers of hope for the future as
members of the group offered ideas to address their concerns. One person noted
that labor unions set the standard for wages. “If the minimum wage kept up with
inflation, today it would be $28 per hour.” That certainly was a reality check
for me!
Unions offer “apprenticeship programs” that have an 85%
graduation rate and add the skilled workers greatly needed. Unions now work to
educate others about their values—not only current and potential members, but
also the general public. Fr. Rausch then added the possibility of labor leaders
and church ministers meeting together to educate their congregations about Christian
social justice principles that both church and union leaders value.
As a Registered Nurse and Catholic Sister, I have concern
for people all along the timeline of life. Promoting the dignity of the worker
is not often mentioned, yet is a critical way to care for one another! As
voters, we the people must consider all of our Christian values when voting! We
the people can make a difference with our vote!
