Opening words: https://www.uua.org/worship/words/opening/opening-words-labor-day

My homily on the meaning of Labor Day referenced the recent Statement of Conscience on Escalating Economic Inequity adopted at the General Assembly this June in New Orleans.

 

The reading was excerpted from this 2009 sermon by Rev. Aaron McEmrys  celebrating Dr. King and his importance to striking Memphis sanitation workers in 1968.

There was a testimonial by Kathleen Coonrod, the chief steward for the union representing City Market workers. She suggests we support them by taking three actions:

1) Insist on anti-racism (both systemic and direct) training for City Market Leadership, Management, and HR.

2) Propose amendment language to the Co-op Principles to add a commitment to progressive labor practices and pay.

3) Attend Board meetings to create physical and vocal support for the workers. Perhaps ask the Board to explain and, if needed, revise their role in prioritizing and directing the General Manager toward addressing workers' needs (not just at negotiation time).

The second testimonial was by Jim Grogan, an organizer for United Professionals-AFT who is working with nurses at UVMMC and Porter Hospital in Middlebury. As a follow up, he asks us to support the Porter nurses in their contract negotiations by joining them on September 12 at 5:30 at Porter's Main Entrance in a "Community Delegation to Demand Safe Staffing."  The union's Facebook page has a statement sent to the Addison Independent on the union's contract struggle:  https://www.facebook.com/PFNHP/

Benediction: https://www.uua.org/worship/words/benediction/interfaith-benediction

The music was perfect, thanks to Sam Whitesell's amazing piano work. Here are links to Billy Bragg's The Internationale  and Emma's Revolution's If I Give Your Name.

Thanks to Judy Brooks, Valerie Wood-Lewis, Terry Jeroloman, and Stuart Graves.

 

-Gene Bergman, FUUSB Economic Justice Task Force

(We meet the third Wednesday of each month at 6 p.m.)