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?

Culver’s, the Wisconsin-based fast food chain that is opening new stores throughout the country, is like most other chains when it comes to wages and benefits.  But, the owner of the top performing Culver’s restaurant in Wisconsin is doing business differently, paying higher wages, providing benefits and even offering a 401K plan.

Check out what Susan Bulgrin is doing at her restaurants in Madison, WI–and why she’s doing it.

Zazie’s in SF; Culver’s in Madison.  Both of these stories feature restaurants that are owned by women.  Is anyone aware of studies on whether women are more likely to offer better compensation packages to their employees than men?  Do you think gender makes a difference when setting labor policies?

Genesis 29:21-30

After reading today’s Scripture, how would you rate Laban as an employer? How do you think Jacob felt about working for Laban after being manipulated into an additional seven-year contract? How has the power in the relationship shifted? The first seven years felt like a few days. How do you think the second seven years felt?

What do you think makes for a workplace that makes time fly?

Do you prefer comic books to statistical journals and legal briefs?  Who wouldn’t?  Interfaith Worker Justice produced a comic book that explains Wage Theft and worker’s rights.  It is available online in both English and Spanish.  ‘WAGE THEFT: CRIME & JUSTICE.”  

Throughout this week, we will read the story of Jacob’s employment to Laban, his uncle. While you read the Scriptures, think about them through the lens of labor relations, power, fair wages and worker justice.

Genesis 29:1-20

Background: Jacob’s father, Isaac, didn’t approve of the local girls for his son, so he sent Jacob to Haran, where his Uncle Laban lived, with instructions to marry one of Laban’s daughters. Today’s Scripture picks up the story when Jacob arrived in Haran. Whose idea is it to give Jacob a paying job? Think of Laban as management and Jacob as labor. How is the contract negotiation a win/win situation? Does this seem like a fair contract? Would you say Laban is a decent employer? Why or why not?

Take a moment to view the story from Rachel’s perspective.  She’s been working as a shepherd for her father, who is willing to “sell” her to Jacob.  The labor market of the day doesn’t give women any earning power or rights over their futures.  They are virtually slaves/property.  While the rules of the marketplace have changed (thank God!), women still earn only $.77 for every $1.00 a man earns.  Where else do you see (or experience) inequality in the labor market?

Here’s a restaurant owner who is treating workers like she would like to be treated and she’s successful too!  Zazie in San Francisco was featured on an NBC news segment, “Good Work”.