Collective BargainingMadison 2011The new governor of Wisconsin is demanding the end of collective bargaining for public employees. Tens of thousands have demonstrated against this demand. Included among the demonstrators have been many members of WUMFSA. We encourage WUMFSA members to make their own signs and to identify WUMFSA as a supporter of Collective Bargaining. Here is a sample sign.
WUMFSA is a supporter of Interfaith Worker Justice In Wisconsin you are invited to support the local ICWJ Here are pictures and words by our Convenor, Amanda Stein:
"Jesus brought people to the table. He sat with friends like Mary and Martha, in intimate settings, and shared meals. Jesus fed thousands with a few loaves and a couple of fish. The night before his death he sat down at a table, too, with his disciples. He even shared the meal with one, Judas Iscariot, who would betray him. Friends, we too are called to come to the table at this important time. No matter where we come from around the state, no matter our job, our political affiliation, or if we're union or non-union-- we are to come to the table-- even knowing that perhaps by doing so we will be betrayed. Jesus still calls us to the table." -- Rev. Amanda Stein United Methodist Book of Discipline and Book of Resolutions on Collective Bargaining Collective Bargaining—We support the right of all public and private employees and employers to organize for collective bargaining into unions and other groups of their own choosing. Further, we support the right of both parties to protection in so doing and their responsibility to bargain in good faith within the framework of the public interest. In order that the rights of all members of the society may be maintained and promoted, we support innovative bargaining procedures that include representatives of the public interest in negotiation and settlement of labor-management contracts, including some that may lead to forms of judicial resolution of issues. We reject the use of violence by either party during collective bargaining or any labor/management disagreement. We likewise reject the permanent replacement of a worker who engages in a lawful strike. [¶ 163.B] Work and Leisure—Every person has the right to a job at a living wage. Where the private sector cannot or does not provide jobs for all who seek and need them, it is the responsibility of government to provide for the creation of such jobs. We support social measures that ensure the physical and mental safety of workers, that provide for the equitable division of products and services, and that encourage an increasing freedom in the way individuals may use their leisure time. We recognize the opportunity leisure provides for creative contributions to society and encourage methods that allow workers additional blocks of discretionary time. We support educational, cultural, and recreational outlets that enhance the use of such time. We believe that persons come before profits. We deplore the selfish spirit that often pervades our economic life. We support policies that encourage the sharing of ideas in the workplace, cooperative and collective work arrangements. We support rights of workers to refuse to work in situations that endanger health and/or life without jeopardy to their jobs. We support policies that would reverse the increasing concentration of business and industry into monopolies. [¶ 163.C] 4135. Rights of Workers 4131. Concern for Workers Task Force 4101. Living Wage Model 4056. Greed 4052. Economic Justice for a New Millennium
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