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Become More Worker, Less Consumer
by Fr. John S. Rausch
2005
With the defection of three unions from the AFL-CIO, organized labor appears split over the appropriate strategy to fight for the rights of workers. Once boasting membership of one-third the workforce, unions now represent only 12.5 percent. Over the last quarter century, economic globalization, a shrinking manufacturing base, the decline of employer-employee loyalty and successful efforts to diminish the rights of workers have taken traction away from the union movement. Labor added to its own problems with occasional cronyism and inadequate responses to workers' needs. Friends of labor recognize the need for reform coupled with a combined strategy of greater grassroots organizing and political action. The split in labor revolves around the disagreement over the degree of funding for each effort.
Since Leo XIII's Rerum Novarum in 1891, the church has highlighted the social dimensions of work and affirmed the rights of workers. Historically, the conditions of the working class appear less desperate than a century ago, yet today the problem of mass poverty has shifted to one of mass insecurity. Millions lack healthcare, retirees forfeit pensions, families live one paycheck away from calamity, and in real terms wages remain static over 30 years and minimum wage slips below its 1973 level.
At the time of Leo XIII's writing, industry barons promoted a shift in self-perception among Americans from worker to consumer. Over the past quarter century, that thinking has dramatically changed from a working-class consciousness to sink-or-swim individualism. The admonition: earning money heightens consumption, privatizing insurance brings greater riches, and joining unions is passé. Yet, the safety net that promises a dignified life for every worker and citizen continues to fray, one strand at a time.
Without a working-class consciousness, workers' organizations will never deliver their potential. Historically, people died fighting for the right to organize. Unions fought to end child labor and secure an eight-hour day. Unions backed safety and health standards, Social Security, unemployment insurance and the minimum wage. The church recognizes all these benefits as the rights of workers.
But the social dimension of work must address the particular needs of workers today. Respect on the job and dignified work head the list. No person can be regarded merely as a cog in the wheel for profit, because each worker reflects the image of God. Workers need more flex time for family needs. They deserve essential minimum benefits and a greater part of the profits. These too reflect the teachings of the church about work.
Probably, the greatest contribution the church can make in reestablishing a consciousness about work comes from a theology of work. Biblically, work is divine activity. God worked in creating the world (Gen. 2:2) and God referred to redemption as work (Is. 29:23). In addition, God put humanity in the garden "to cultivate and care for it" (Gen. 2:15). Humanity becomes a co-gardener with God. Every time workers use their creativity or contribute to society, or every time they promote reconciliation and justice, they participate in divine activity.
Catholics pray the way they believe. Liturgically, during the intercessions at Morning Prayer (Week III in the breviary), the church prays, "Make our work today benefit our brothers and sisters, that with them and for them we may build an earthly city, pleasing to you." This is the spirituality of work in a nutshell.
The church promotes dignified and communal work. It shuns mindless consumption. The liturgical year celebrates St. Joseph, the Worker, and St. Isidore, the Farmer, with his companion-spouse, St. Mary de la Cabeza. It makes no mention of St. Wal-Mart, the Shopper.
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