If we take a moment to reflect on our country's history, we will recall that it was not so long ago when children were found in hazardous factories rather than in school. We might remember that labor unions were formed at a time when it was their only option to protect themselves against greedy, unscrupulous employers. As I watched this brief video, my eyes welled up with tears as I reflected on the fact that our laws have not always protected the rights of children to receive an education:
While we should certainly take time to celebrate our progress, we must also reflect on the problems that still exist, both here and abroad. There are still millions of Americans who struggle to earn a living wage, or even to find a job at all. And while I often complain about my own "tight budget," I feel ashamed of myself when I remember that there are single mothers with minimum wage jobs trying to support their children, unable to give their children a fraction of what I can give mine.
Hopefully, it is obvious that income inequality is steadily increasing in our country. The US Conference of Catholic Bishops, in their 2013 Labor Day Statement, remind us that this is a critical issue requiring our attention and energy:
"Labor Day is an opportunity to take stock of the ways workers are honored and respected. Earlier this year, Pope Francis pointed out, "Work is fundamental to the dignity of a person. . . . It gives one the ability to maintain oneself, one's family, to contribute to the growth of one's own nation." Unfortunately, millions of workers today are denied this honor and respect as a result of unemployment, underemployment, unjust wages, wage theft, abuse, and exploitation.
"Even with new indicators of some modest progress in recovery, the economy still has not improved the standard of living for many people, especially for the poor and the working poor, many of whom are unemployed or underemployed. More than four million people have been jobless for over six months, and that does not include the millions more who have simply lost hope. For every available job, there are often five unemployed and underemployed people actively vying for it. This jobs gap pushes wages down. Half of the jobs in this country pay less than $27,000 per year. More than 46 million people live in poverty, including 16 million children."
When we take the time to reflect on this kind of injustice, it can feel overwhelming and disheartening. But when we unite and make our voices heard, we can create change. It may not be instantaneous, but it has to start somewhere. One easy step would be to sign this petition asking McDonald's and Wal-Mart to raise their minimum wages, which are currently less than $9 per hour. How any adult can raise children on that salary is beyond my comprehension.
Then, there's the fact that children in other countries can still be required to work, often in conditions that would horrify us. I am reminded of the tragic collapse of a textile factory in Bangladesh just a few months ago, which killed hundreds of workers, some of whom were still children. Here is a first-hand account from a teenage girl who was there. I can't imagine anyone not being shocked and disturbed by this news. But rather than allowing it to depress us, we can allow it to inspire us to act. We can support organizations like Stop Child Labor that help to defend children around the world.
We might be tempted to excuse ourselves from action, telling ourselves that we are powerless. But history teaches us that progress is often achieved only when people raise their voices and take action. Those of us who live comfortably should not isolate ourselves from those who are struggling, especially not if we claim to believe that the poor are our brothers and sisters. Let us rest and celebrate today, but let us not forget tomorrow about those who need our help.
