Rabbis for Worker Choice Send Message to Spector on EFCA

[Omaha Steve]

http://talkingunion.wordpress.com/2009/06/13/rabbis-for-worker-choice-send-message-to-spector-on-efca/

Posted on June 13, 2009 by dsalaborblogmoderator

Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HshCOHNWfAw&eurl=http%3A%2F%2Ftalkingunion.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F06%2F13%2Frabbis-for-worker-choice-send-message-to-spector-on-efca%2F&feature=player_embedded

In Philadelphia, the traditionally secular Jewish Labor Committee has organized something distinctive: a rabbinic appeal to Senator Arlen Specter. JLC Philadelphia Director Rosalind Spigel enlisted 25 local rabbis plus rabbinical students to sign an open letter urging Pennsylvania’s newly converted Democratic senior senator to put Jewish values to work and help safeguard the rights of employees who wish to secure union representation. (Additional signatories can be added here.) Specter co-sponsored the landmark legislation in 2008 , but this year, before switching parties, changed positions and said he would not support the legislation.

On Tuesday, June 9, a rabbinic delegation of the Philadelphia JLC met with Senator Arlen Specter to urge his support for the Employee Free Choice Act. That day also marked the official launch of the website of Rabbis for Workers’ Choice. The rabbis who wrote Specter urging him to stand with working families will hold a short ceremony to reinforce their message at his Philadelphia office.

The rabbis’ open letter begins by characterizing biblical references about the Sabbath, the day of rest from daily labors, as an affirmation of human dignity for the worker. It goes on to quote D’varim/Deuteronomy <24:14-15>: “You shall not abuse a needy and destitute laborer, but you must pay him his wages on the same day, for he is needy and urgently depends on it.”

The Jewish Labor Committee – JLC – a national organization that promotes labor and related social justice causes within the Jewish community and Jewish issues within organized labor – has been working both nationally and locally to support the Employees Free Choice Act (EFCA). Hundreds of people across the country have signed onto the JLC’s petition (you can add your name here).