Worker's RIghts

This week, as part of our study of immigration and its impact, we integrated social justice by asking students: What Do Worker's Rights Have To Do With Social Justice?

Do not oppress the hired laborer who is poor and needy, 

whether he is one of your people OR one of the sojourners 

in your land within your gates .

Give him his wages in the daytime, and do not let the sun set on them, for he is poor, 

and his life depends on them, 

lest he cry out to God about you, 

for this will be counted as a sin for you. 

(Deuteronomy: 24:14-15)

On Day One, students were divided into two groups, The Bosses and The Workers, and each had to collaborate to define for themselves what reasonable expectations and rights they should have. On Day Two, we gathered together and looked at the lists that were created. We discussed the merit of the rights/expectations identified by the "bosses" and "workers," noted similarities and differences, and connected them to issues that continue to be relevant today (ex. equal pay for equal work). We also thought more specifically about the essential question, and began exploring the above quote from Deuteronomy to contextualize the conversation with respect to understanding ourselves as Jews. We will continue to talk with Stephanie early next week to learn more specifics about how the drama of worker's rights unfolded for the immigrants working in mills/factories during the Industrial Revolution. 

Enjoy the photos!