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Faith and Labor: A Shared Struggle for Justice
The intersection of faith and organized labor has long been a source of strength in the struggle for justice. Both communities, though distinct in mission, share common goals rooted in dignity, fairness and the protection of the vulnerable. Faith traditions call for the inherent worth of every person to be recognized, while labor movements demand that workers be treated with respect and provided just wages, safe conditions and a voice in their workplaces.
Historically, faith communities and labor organizations have often stood side by side in pursuit of these values. Clergy and congregations were visible allies during pivotal labor struggles in the early 20th century, from supporting textile workers in strikes to standing with coal miners in their campaigns for humane conditions. Jewish leaders and synagogues were deeply engaged in the fight for garment workers’ rights in New York, emphasizing the Torah’s call for just weights and measures and the dignity of labor. Similarly, Muslim leaders have long taught that fair wages and honest treatment of workers are obligations of justice, echoing the Quran’s insistence that laborers be paid promptly and equitably. And, of course, during the Civil Rights Movement, leaders like Martin Luther King Jr. highlighted the natural bond between faith and organized labor, framing both as part of the same fight for equality.
At their core, both faith and labor insist that human beings should not be reduced to commodities. Together, they have historically advanced a vision of community grounded in justice, solidarity and hope.
The AFT launches this new initiative, seeking to renew, reinvigorate and reignite the long-standing bonds between the faith and labor communities. We’re bringing together a broad array of faith and labor voices committed to working together to advance the common good in our nation.
As our country is emerging from the longest government shutdown in its history, when hundreds of thousands of employees still went to work without being paid, it is worth reflecting on the moral implications of this policy, particularly for those claiming “to have God on their side.”
Rabbi Sharon Kleinbaum, Randi Weingarten, and Skye Perryman speak on Religious Freedom in Public Schools
Working isn’t just a way to pay the bills, it’s also a way we can pay goodness and loving-kindness forward.
“Interfaith work is at the center of the work to save this country,” Rabbi Sharon Kleinbaum told a summit on religious freedom in public schools Sept. 15.
Should public school be turned into Sunday school? While this may be the goal of right-wing Christian nationalist politicians, it’s not good for students, families, educators, public schools or even religious Americans.
Labor Seder
The first night of Passover is known as Leil Seder, literally the night of organizing. Was Moses the first labor organizer? Every year we retell the story of the Israelites’ liberation from bondage in Egypt as an invitation to reexamine our current struggles for freedom and the role that faith continues to play in advancing toward justice. This Zoom model Seder will focus on themes of workers’ rights in the Haggadah and will explore new insights and outlooks for meeting the urgent challenges of today. Hosted by the AFT’s Faith and Labor Initiative, Rabbis Sharon Kleinbaum and Mike Moskowitz, along with Cantor Sam Rosen, will lead this teaching Seder. This program is open to all and no previous Seder experience is necessary. Jews and people of all faiths are welcome. We will explore themes of Passover that you can take to your own Seder.