c. 1998 Religion News Service

UNDATED _ Observers say the partnership between religion and labor is likely to remain a limited one. They point out that religious activists tend to gravitate to union causes that involve workers who earn poverty-level wages.

The Rev. George Higgins, the Roman Catholic Church’s chief liaison to the labor movement, said he thinks church people would”look foolish”picketing with autoworkers, who rank among the best-paid industrial workers. The summer strike by the United Auto Workers against General Motors, for example, drew almost no visible support from clergy.

In contrast, he pointed to last year’s summer strike by Teamsters against United Parcel Service. It was the first major strike to spotlight the cause of part-time and temporary workers, who typically receive lower pay and fewer benefits than their full-time counterparts. It also triggered a groundswell of support in congregations and communities. The Teamsters won.

Some of labor’s adversaries warn religious leaders could lose their soul in the marriage with unions.

David Kendrick, program director of the National Institute for Labor Relations Research, said unions often use”coercion and violence,”and clerics may squander their moral credibility by supporting union campaigns. His organization in Washington opposes union shops.

Retired Bishop Jesse DeWitt of the United Methodist Church admitted,”Sometimes unions are wrong. Sometimes the workers are wrong.”He cited corruption among other evils.

But he said many labor struggles today are pitting the rich and powerful against vulnerable workers.”As spiritual leaders, we have to be on the side of the powerless,”he said.

DEA END BOLE