Church task force plans sessions to hear workers' concerns
5/8/2001
WASHINGTON (UMNS) - A United Methodist task force on labor issues is planning two listening sessions to give low-wage workers a chance to voice their concerns.
The Concern for Workers Task Force, meeting May 4-5, decided to seek funding to organize listening posts to precede each of its next two meetings.
The group formed as the result of action by General Conference, the denomination's highest legislative body, which met last year in Cleveland. General Conference adopted a resolution to educate the church about workplace justice in the context of the Christian faith, and to advocate for workers' rights in local and international struggles. In addition to focusing on education and advocacy, the assembly authorized exploring collaborations with labor groups and other faith organizations, and assisting the churchwide agencies in implementing resolutions related to workers' rights.
During the meeting, the task force prepared for a second four-year period of work. The members sought ways to build on the work of the previous task force, which created a database and held an international consultation. The task force asked staff members to prepare a list of workers' campaigns that the church has endorsed.
The group also decided to improve its labor issues page on the United Methodist Board of Church and Society's Web site.
Members decided to seek an additional bishop to join Bishop Jesse Dewitt of Ann Arbor, Mich., on the task force. Last quadrennium's task force had two bishops: Jonathan D. Keaton, Ohio East Area, and Fritz Mutti, Kansas Area.
Three officers were elected: chairwoman, Katie Foster, Ellenwood, Ga.; vice chairman, the Rev. Darren Cushman Wood, Indianapolis; and recorder, Rachel A. Cornwell, Atlanta.
Other members include the Rev. Israel I. Alvaran, Manila, Philippines; Sara Amos, Washington; Willy Baptist, Philadelphia; Leone Jose Bicchieri, Chicago; Jeanette Bartz, New Boston, Mich.; Nelson Carrasquillo, Glassboro, N.J.; Nancy Eubanks, Brownsville, Tenn.; the Rev. Pharis Harvey, Washington; Mary M. Melvin, Tampa, Fla.; the Rev. Tove Odland, Oslo, Norway; Willa Sudduth, El Cerrito, Calif., Michael Sullivan, Washington; the Rev. James Swanson Sr., Columbus, Ga.; and the Rev. H. Ulises Torres, New Bedford, Mass.
Staff assigned to the task force are Mark W. Harrison with the Board of Church and Society, Peggy Hutchison with the churchwide Board of Global Ministries and Marilyn Clement of the Women's Division of the Board of Global Ministries. The Rev. Michael Szpak, labor relations coordinator with the AFL-CIO, is continuing as an observer.
The next meeting of the task force is planned for Dec. 5-8 in the Delaware-Maryland area.
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