Throughout this week, we will read portions of the story of Moses and the slavery of the Hebrews by the Egyptians. Again, we will view the story through the lens of labor and worker justice.

Exodus 2:11-15

What do you think Moses felt when he saw the mistreatment of workers? When you see worker injustice (slavery, wage theft, mistreatment of workers) what do you feel? What action did Moses take to address the injustice? Obviously, Pharaoh understood that an attack against a taskmaster was an attack against the system. Yet, killing a taskmaster was insufficient to stop the mistreatment? Why? What steps do you find yourself taking that are insufficient to address systemic worker injustice such as low wages or wage theft?

Today, March 8, is International Women’s Day.  On this day, we remember the struggle of women to secure rights equal to men.  In the workplace, women continue to lag behind men in pay, earning just $.77 for every $1 a man earns.  Beneath the inequity in pay is a presumption of male primacy, the foundation of Patriarchy–a social structure that we see practiced throughout the Bible.  But Patriarchy is not a ‘kingdom of heaven’ order–it is the order of the Fall.  In Luke 10: 38-42, Jesus takes a sledgehammer to the glass ceiling, affirming Mary’s choice to sit at his feet (the posture of a student/disciple) and refusing to “take it away from her.”  The gospel liberates women (and men) from the oppression of Patriarchy!  What Jesus has destroyed, let no man (or woman) reconstruct.

“The Hand That Feeds” is a new documentary that follows the attempt of a group of New York fast food employees to form a union to get better wages and working conditions.  It will be shown in Chicago on Tuesday, March 10, at 7:30 pm as a part of the new “Docs at the Box” series at the Music Box Theatre, 3733 N. Southport Ave.  Following the screening, filmmakers Robin Blotnick and Rachel Lears will join a post-show discussion.   

Genesis 31:45-55

The story ends with each of these men going their separate ways while agreeing to never cross the line to harm the other—basically a mistrustful impasse. Looking back over the entire story, at what points could this ending have been avoided? Why do you think the relationship between management and labor is often hostile? Does it have to be?  Which side–management or labor–do you think is most responsible for justice in the workplace?  What actions would each side have to take to result in justice in the workplace?

There is no devotional for Sunday, March 8, 2015.

Yesterday, Glassdoor announced its 2015 list of “Best Companies” as determined by employee feedback.  The list of large (1000+ employees) companies include business services, tech companies, accounting firms and SURPRISE!!!–a fast food chain!  Check out the entire list HERE and see what employees say make a good company to work for.

Do you think these companies are practicing “worker justice”?  Is worker justice the same thing as employee satisfaction?

Genesis 31:22-44

List the grievances that Jacob accused Laban of perpetrating. Which of Laban’s actions seem most egregious to you? Why do you think Laban has acted the way he has toward Jacob over the 20 years of Jacob’s employment? How has the story of Jacob and Laban impacted your view of workers who complain about injustice in the workplace?

Theft in the workplace is not uncommon.  Office employees steal staplers, paper, rubber bands.  Restaurant employees steal food.  Often, employees justify their actions by saying, “The company doesn’t pay me enough.”  After reading about Laban’s actions and Jacob’s “stealing” Laban’s sheep, what do you think of workplace theft?

Here’s a great feel-good story about a fast food franchise owner in Arizona that shared the rewards of success with his employees.

Do you think this is an example of “worker justice”?  Why or why not?

Genesis 31:1-21

Because Jacob prospered, the work environment became even more toxic. Up until now, God had not been a part of the story of Jacob’s employment. Now, God gets involved. What is God’s assessment of the work situation? Whose side does God take? Why? What does this tell you about God? How has Laban’s labor practices impacted relationships with the members of his family?

So, how much do you have to make to purchase a home?  Of course, that all depends on where you live.  In 11 of the 27 largest metropolitan areas, you have to make more than the US median income of $52,250 to afford a home.  Check out the required income HERE.

Can’t afford to own?  Wages determine what you can rent as well.  Did you know that there is not one state in the US where a full time worker making the federal minimum wage can afford a 2 bedroom apartment at Fair Market Rent?  Even in the most affordable states, West Virginia and Arkansas, a minimum wage worker has to work 63 hours a week to afford a 2 bedroom apartment.  Check out Bill Moyer’s Report from 2012.  And you know rents have gone up since then, so it has only gotten worse!

Genesis 30:25-43

Once the second contract expired, Jacob was ready to quit and return to his home. How does Laban respond to Jacob turning in his resignation? What power does Jacob have in this third contract negotiation? How do you think Laban’s ongoing treatment of Jacob has changed Jacob? What do you think is Jacob’s motive in staying in this toxic work environment?

Have you ever told your employer to “take this job and shove it?”  Even if you just wanted to say it, why did you feel that way?  Why do you think people stay in bad work environments?

Laban tried to defraud Jacob of the agreed upon wages while Jacob acted to sabotage Laban’s business through creative animal husbandry.  Both men mistrust the other and act to destroy the other.  What motivates each of them?  Which one is do you think is guilty of the greater sin?  What is the greater sin?