James 5:1-6 

How have these landowner/employers abused their power? How is their wealth evidence of their abuse? How is God involved in this labor dispute? Currently, corporate CEO’s make 774 times more than minimum wage workers. To put that into perspective, it would take 774 years for a minimum wage worker to make what the average CEO makes in one year.  Do you think God has an opinion about income inequality in America?  If so, try to put God’s opinion into a statement.

Steelworker strikes at oil refineries that began in California now expanded to two BP refineries in the midwest at  Whiting, IN, and Toledo, OH.  This is the first national strike of steelworkers since 1980.  Read the report on the strike from Crain’s Chicago Business.  To get the perspective of the Union, read an interview with workers at In These Times.

Note the reference to using “contractors” to do more work at the refineries.  “Independent contractors” are often temporary employees hired through agencies.  Though usually qualified to do the work, companies are not required to provide benefits or pay union wages to “contractors”.   One of the concerns about use of “contractors” is the compromise of safety.  Just this week, an oil refinery in Torrence, CA, exploded, killing 4 people.  Though the cause of the explosion is unknown, it raises questions and concerns about refinery safety and the use of “contractors.”

Does our Lenten Compact have something to say about this?

Leviticus 19:13; Deuteronomy 24:14-15

Workplace justice is ultimately about the way power is distributed and used. In employment matters, who has power? What role do wages play in this power dynamic? What is God’s relationship to the workplace power dynamics? Would you say that God is on the side of the workers? Why? What role–if any–should people of faith have in regulating workplace power dynamics?

Here’s an easy action to encourage Fast Food Workers who are seeking an increase in wages.  This action is supported by leaders of the Fight for $15.

1.  Go through the local fast food drive through.

2.  When asked what you would like to order, respond: “I’m not ordering anything today but I want you to know I’m fasting from fast food during Lent to support the Fight for $15 so (Fast Food Name) employees can have a living wage.  Have a great day.”

3.  When you get to the payment window, sincerely thank the person for their work..

We often picture workers in China or the Dominican Republic when we hear “sweat shops”–places where people are paid little for making our clothes.  But it happens frequently in the US.  Here’s a short clip from the documentary, “Made in LA”, that tells the stories of low pay and wage theft by companies making clothes for Forever 21, an upscale young women’s clothing store.

Deuteronomy 25:4; 1 Corinthians 9:7-14

The Apostle Paul applies the Law that gives oxen the right to eat grain to the rights of human workers to fair compensation for their labor. Have you ever felt “muzzled” in your workplace?  If so, what did you experience and how did you feel?  Thousands of employees experience “wage theft” which occurs when employers pay less than minimum wage; refuse overtime pay; force workers to work off the clock; hold back final paychecks; misclassify employees as independent contractors; steal tips; and fail to pay workers at all.  What do you think Paul might say about wage theft?  Low wages?  Two local and national organizations are working to fight wage theft.  For more information, go to Interfaith Worker Justice and Arise Chicago.

Be sure to take a few minutes to watch the short clip about low wages and wage theft, “Made in LA”.

Deuteronomy 5:12-15

The Sabbath commandment regulates the workweek, ensuring that all workers (even animals) have regular time off. Why do you think time off is so important to God? What power dynamic is being addressed by the Sabbath policy? Who is being protected? From whom? Though we have regulated workweeks (40 hours, prescribed breaks, overtime pay, etc), how are workers’ rights to time off being eroded today? What policies have contributed to that erosion? What policies would help to protect workers and the need for time off?

There is no devotional for Sunday, February 22, 2015

Yesterday, Walmart announced that it is raising the wages of 500,000 minimum wage workers.  Soon, employees will see an increase to $9.00 per hour and a year from now, pay will increase to $10 per hour.  While this will be an improvement for many, it is far below the $15 an hour workers were seeking from the company–the largest employer in America.  In addition, the increase will not significantly impact the 46% of Walmart’s workforce who work part time.

Do you think Walmart’s decision is a good sign for low-wage workers?

Leviticus 25:39-43, Exodus 1:8-14

God’s Labor Policy in Leviticus prevented perpetual slavery (release was required in the year of Jubilee, which occurred every 49 years) and banned harsh treatment of workers—the exact opposite of what God’s people had experienced as slaves in Egypt. What was the worst treatment you experience as a worker? Has that experience made you more sensitive to labor issues? How?

It’s 7 below zero in Chicago this morning with a wind chill of -27 degrees.  While that might not be cold if you live in Minnesota, it is cold enough to shut down schools here.  So, what do you do on a cold, cold, day?  Here’s a suggestion:  Watch a movie!

Here’s one:  “The Dark Side of Chocolate”, a short documentary about child slavery on West African cocoa plantations.  Hershey’s Chocolate announced today that they are going to use “simpler” ingredients in their chocolate products.  Nestlé announced something similar on Ash Wednesday.  Unfortunately, they still use cocoa that is not certified fair trade.  That means every chocolate kiss contains the “ingredient” of child slavery.  I say, Kiss ’em goodbye!