 |
Huffington Post Misrepresents Pope's Position on Unions |
 |
 |
Prayer-Soldier writes "
In the article, “Chamber of Commerce, Unionbuster vs. Pope, Catholic Bishops on Union Rights,” posted by the Huffington Post on 22 Jun 09, the position of the United States Council of Catholic Bishops is misrepresented. The article concludes, “So, who should the public trust on the Employee Free Choice Act and workers' rights: The Chamber of Commerce and Jackson Lewis or the Pope?” The implication is that the teachings of the Catholic Church as to worker's rights is an endorsement of the Employee Free Choice Act. No such endorsement exists, only the recognition of worker's rights and the responsibility of government, business and unions to provide for those rights.
The article cites guidance issued by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) entitled, "Respecting the Just Rights of Workers: Guidance and Options for Catholic Health Care and Unions," as siding with the union movement on worker's rights. The Huffington Post article stated, “While the Chamber of Commerce continues its smear campaign against the Employee Free Choice Act, the union movement enlisted a powerful ally yesterday in its drive for workers' rights: the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, following the guidance of, yes, the Pope.”
Contrary to the article's statement that the union movement enlisted the USCCB, the USCCB explanation is somewhat different. According to a USSCB news release posted 23 Jun 09, “The three-way dialogue was initiated by the USCCB in an effort to find common ground on alternative approaches for carrying out Catholic social teachings on the rights of workers to freely choose whether or not to be represented by unions.” The chair of the effort, Cardinal Theodore McCarrick, stated, “Though they had different perspectives and points of view in many areas, the participants shared the conviction that it is up to workers—not bishops, hospital managers, or union leaders—to decide how they will be represented in the workplace.”
A fair reading of the USCCB guidance recognizes the rights of workers to chose whether or not to be represented by the union, but it also states, “...we acknowledge a fair and just workplace may
exist with or without a union.” It goes on to say, “Whether workers decide to be represented by a union or not to be represented, Catholic teaching respects their decision.”
While the Huffington Post article implies the Pope supports the Employee Freedom of Choice Act, it is clear in the USCCB guidance that some provisions of the EFCA might be challenged. The guidance states, “We also had clear differences on the utility and value of other means of verifying what a majority of workers wanted (e.g., "card check" and similar mechanisms). Participants respected these differing perspectives and did not abandon strong convictions and positions in these areas.”
One of the major provisions of the EFCA is that, “If the Board finds that a majority of the employees in a unit appropriate for bargaining has signed valid authorizations designating the individual or labor organization specified in the petition as their bargaining representative....the Board shall not direct an election but shall certify the individual or labor organization as the representative described in subsection (a).” This is the provision known as “card check.” It essentially removes the right of workers for a secret ballot as to their desires.
In a 26 Mar 09 Fox News report, an example was provided as to how card check was abused by union organizers to intimidate workers. One worker related as to how she was worn down by the constant harassment of a union organizer. She stated, “When they approach you every day, every day, every day, after awhile it is like, ok, fine, I'll sign the card.”
The report related that the “union gained enough signatures through card check, but that a number of employees appealed to the National Labor Relations Board which ruled that the employees were entitled to a secret ballot.” The report pointed out that the employees had to stand up for their right to a secret ballot. Once the secret ballot was held, the majority of employees voted against union organization.
According to a Catholic News Service report posted 2 Feb 09, the Pope told directors of the Confederation of Italian Labor Unions on 31 Jan 09 that, "The great challenge and the great opportunity posed by today's worrisome economic crisis is to find a new synthesis between the common good and the market, between capital and labor. And in this regard, union organizations can make a significant contribution." The Pope also stated, “In order to overcome the economic and social crisis we're experiencing, we know that a free and responsible effort on the part of everyone is required."
A fair representation of the Pope's statement is not an endorsement of EFCA as the Huffington Post article implies, rather the importance of the responsibility of both management and unions to provide an environment which is fair to workers, free of intimidation from either side. The USCCB guidance states, “...workers have the right to decide through a fair process – free of coercion and based on accurate and truthful information – whether and by whom to be represented in the workplace.”
According to the 1996 Catholic Framework for Economic Life, “...free markets have both clear advantages and limits; government has essential responsibilities and limitations; voluntary groups have irreplaceable roles, but cannot substitute for the proper working of the market and the just policies of the state.” Legislation, therefore, must be designed to create a fair work environment, balancing the interests of all the principals towards maintenance of a fair and just economic environment. When that balance is exceeded, no one is served.
The framework goes on to state, “Workers, owners, managers, stockholders and consumers are moral agents in economic life. By our choices, initiative, creativity and investment, we enhance or diminish economic opportunity, community life and social justice.” Catholic social teaching reflects the new covenant taught by Jesus to love one another as He loved us (John 13:24). Catholic social teaching promotes an ethical work environment. Through the engaged partnership of all involved, a just economy is generated. Abuses by any party creates unhealthy conflicts and divisions which can only result in strife.
“If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand. And if a house is divided against itself, that house will not be able to stand.” Mark 3:24-25
"
|
|
|
Posted on Saturday, June 27 @ 00:00:00 MDT by drbonebrake
What is Social Bookmarking?
|
|
|
|
| "Huffington Post Misrepresents Pope's Position on Unions" | Login/Create an Account | 0 comments |
|
| | The comments are owned by the poster. We aren't responsible for their content. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| No Comments Allowed for Anonymous, please register |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Related Links |
|
|
|
Article Rating |
|
|
|
Options |
|
|
