2008 was the last time the minimum wage was raised, but it’s been more than 60 years since the minimum wage was a living wage. We know low wages disproportionately affect People of Color and women. The Council continues to advocate to support legislation that will raise the minimum wage to $15 per hour.
Overview
As Christians in a profit-dominated society, we must be as concerned as Jesus was about all people — especially those workers who receive lower pay and who are under-protected. How do we keep workers from being crucified by our greed? Do we support fair living-wage pay and safe working conditions so that our communities affirm doing unto others as we would to Jesus?
Too often workers are forced to pick between taking care of sick family members or children and earning money to pay the bills. They are forced to work in unsafe conditions. They aren’t paid a living wage. They are exploited for their economic worth, rather than valued by their worth as a beloved child of God.
As disciples of a God who calls on us to work so “that all may have life, and have it abundantly” (John 10:10), we must remember those among us struggling for the basics in their working life. We must remember Jesus’ call to love our neighbors as ourselves and support those trying to improve conditions in the workplace.
Council Resources
Workers’ Rights and the 2020 Election
What if we had politicians in North Carolina who take the concerns of working families seriously? What kind of public policies would support working people instead of taking advantage of them? Check out this legislative bulletin.
Job Loss – A Guidebook for Pastors
This guidebook is meant to help ministers and congregations offer advice and guidance to people who are currently seeking employment.
Labor Sabbath Guide
Congregations and clergy members are invited to plan worship services around the hard workers of our nation. This guide offers resources and action items for Labor Day weekend and how to continue highlighting impacted workers beyond Labor Day.
Workers Are Worth Their Keep
Workers’ Rights Issue Statements
The Council takes positions on issues through policy statements that inform, guide, and frame our work. Policy statements are adopted by our governing body, often upon the recommendation of one or more of the Council’s program committees which are made up of representatives of our member bodies.
- A Living Wage (11/9/2000)
Raising Wages Partner Organizations
Below is a list of our partners statewide with a link to their website for more information:
Down Home NC
NC State AFL-CIO
NC Families Care Coalition
NC Justice Center
Raise Up: Fight for $15
Raising Wages NC
Ways to Take Action
Petition: Raise the Minimum Wage in North Carolina
Send a message to your North Carolina legislators urging them to raise the minimum wage to $15! Sign the petition now.