Trades Unions

[Gwyneth]

Is it appropriate for a Christianuse a Trade Union for support and advice on a grievance at work?
Gwyneth

 

[KenH]

Yes.

 

[Gwyneth]

Thank you Ken, pardon the dreadful typos in my last post

I wasn`t sure if it would show a lack of trust to go to these people, but the situation is pretty grim, and needs an expert to sort it out.I have prayed about it , is it wrong having prayed to go to these.
Gwyneth

 

[Johnv]

Originally posted by Gwyneth:
Is it appropriate for a Christianuse a Trade Union for support and advice on a grievance at work?

Yes, absolutely.

 

[KenH]

I see no difference in going to a trade union for appropriate help or in going to a court for appropriate help or in calling one's Congressman or Senator for appropriate help.

I don't believe God expects us to pray and then sit on our hands and wait when action needs to be taken.

As Elbert Hubbard said, "People who want milk should not seat themselves on a stool in the middle of a field in hope that a cow will back up to them."

 

[Ben W]

Originally posted by Gwyneth:
Is it appropriate for a Christianuse a Trade Union for support and advice on a grievance at work?
Gwyneth

Yes it is, they are in your corner and are legitimised by the government. If your employer is acting contrary to the law the Trade Unions are well entitled to do something about it on your behalf.

 

[Bob Farnaby]

Yes.

Unions arn't a perfect organisation, but do usually provide a great deal of help and advice to workers about rights and responsibilities.

Indeed, many unions have a background in history of strong christian involvement in social justice issues, campagning for fairer work conditions for all, and facing the abuse of unsrupulous employers.

It is good for christians to be involved in this part of industrial relations, working for the good of all.

Regards
Bob
PS, The Welsh have a tremendous history in trade unions, much to be proud of

 

[Dr. Bob]

Your call. My father was a Union Steward with the Teamsters Union - one of the most corrupt and vile organizations I've ever known. I would not have a part in a Union personally.

But if your shop has one and they are the approved method for settling grievances, then you should use that service.

 

[Scott J]

I don't think so.

Matthew 20


Laborers in the Vineyard

1 "For the kingdom of heaven is like a master of a house who went out early in the morning to hire laborers for his vineyard. 2 After agreeing with the laborers for a denarius[1] a day, he sent them into his vineyard. 3 And going out about the third hour he saw others standing idle in the marketplace, 4 and to them he said, 'You go into the vineyard too, and whatever is right I will give you.' 5 So they went. Going out again about the sixth hour and the ninth hour, he did the same. 6 And about the eleventh hour he went out and found others standing. And he said to them, 'Why do you stand here idle all day?' 7 They said to him, 'Because no one has hired us.' He said to them, 'You go into the vineyard too.' 8 And when evening came, the owner of the vineyard said to his foreman, 'Call the laborers and pay them their wages, beginning with the last, up to the first.' 9 And when those hired about the eleventh hour came, each of them received a denarius. 10 Now when those hired first came, they thought they would receive more, but each of them also received a denarius. 11 And on receiving it they grumbled at the master of the house, 12 saying, 'These last worked only one hour, and you have made them equal to us who have borne the burden of the day and the scorching heat.' 13 But he replied to one of them, 'Friend, I am doing you no wrong. Did you not agree with me for a denarius? 14 Take what belongs to you and go. I choose to give to this last worker as I give to you. 15 Am I not allowed to do what I choose with what belongs to me? Or do you begrudge my generosity?' 16 So the last will be first, and the first last."

Obviously the primary purpose of this story was not to establish work rules but Jesus did use the master of the house in the most positive sense.

If you have a grievance then take it to the owner in Christian meekness. If you can't work it out, find another job.

A union strike violates the spirit of Jesus words. The owner has a right to do as he will with what God has providentially given him to rule over. God will judge as to whether he has been a good master or not... and recompense accordingly.

 

[Gwyneth]

The owner has a right to do as he will with what God has providentially given him to rule over. God will judge as to whether he has been a good master or not... and recompense accordingly.

That is what I am worried about, and why I broached the question. I haven`t done it yet. It will not start a strike, but victimisation is involved. Gwyneth