(Also see Sweatshops  and Fair, not “Free,” Trade)

You shall not withhold the wages of poor and needy laborers, whether other Israelites or aliens who reside in your land in one of your towns.  Deuteronomy 24:14

We know that our loving God cares about all aspects of our lives, including our work lives. Conditions and events at work absorb our energy, occupy our minds, and impact our psyches when we are both at work and home. Our work situations can be fulfilling and empowering or demeaning and humiliating.

Some workers confront particularly unjust situations such as extremely low pay, unsafe conditions, racism, or sexism. All workers, whatever their position in the hierarchy of jobs, may suffer from indignities, large and small, that cripple their spirit and hinder their journey to greater wholeness.

One-quarter of all jobs in the United States pay wages so low that a full-time worker cannot keep a family out of poverty. For some, the biggest problem is no job at all. Even when the economy is considered to be "strong," millions of people who want to work cannot find a job or can only find a part-time one.

God's reign does not stop at the door to the workplace. The Church is called to seek out and accompany people wherever they are. So the church must also be in our offices, factories, stores, farms, schools, and all the places where people work.

UCC General Synod Resolutions and Pronouncements

Affirming Democratic Principles in an emerging global economy (General Synod 21, 1999): support for unions, corporations to uphold human rights, advocate for just, democratic, participatory, and inclusive economic policies.

More information and ways to engage