labor
“Justice, and only justice, you shall pursue.”
– Deuteronomy 16:20
“Plantation capitalism’s major error is that it sees all kinds of people as not human beings.
I see it especially today in the effort to reduce workers’ benefits and pay—and, in particular, with the large numbers, millions of people, who work—sometimes two adults in the same household working—and still have to struggle to be sure they’re going to have food
next week.” – Reverend James Lawson, AFL-CIO Diversity Conference, Los Angeles, 9/7/2013
OUR COMMITMENT TO LOW-WAGE WORKERS
At CLUE we believe that every human being is equal, unique, and of infinite worth. That low-wage workers deserve power. And that one job should pay enough to provide for your needs. CLUE stands with workers in hospitality, service, healthcare, and other industries as they advocate for the right to thrive as members of society.
Our work is geographically based: committees in different areas of Southern California learn the stories of workers in their communities and the changes that they seek. CLUE members then strategize with workers and their unions to plan how faith leaders can amplify their demands.
OUR WORK IN ACTION
Faith leaders accompany workers in delegations to management.
We pray with workers before actions and contract negotiations.
We attend advocacy meetings with elected officials.
We launch letter campaigns to employers and lawmakers
INJUSTICES IN LOW-WAGE INDUSTRIES
Workers often need to work multiple jobs to make ends meet.
According to MIT’s Living Wage Calculator, the living wage in Los Angeles for a single parent with one child is $43.81/hour. On average, hotel workers make around $25/hour. Many housekeepers earn closer to $20/hour.
Wage theft
Being forced to choose between excessive commutes for affordable housing or closer, more expensive, often substandard housing (unattached garages without proper kitchens/bathrooms or multiple families sharing a small apartment).
Retribution for raising concerns about safety or work schedules.
“Since reopening after the pandemic, hotels began to eliminate daily room cleaning. Our workloads have
become brutal and take an even bigger toll on us. We went on strike because we work really hard and deserve
better. Through the strike workers from all the hotels are more united than ever. We are ready for anything,
inside, outside, at the negotiating table, and won’t settle for less than we deserve.”
Rosa Paz, housekeeper for 23 years at the Hilton Anaheim.
Clergy and Laity United for Economic Justice educates, organizes, and mobilizes the faith community to accompanyworkers and their families in their struggle for good jobs, dignity, and justice.