On This Labor Day…

Fr. Ike Udoh, SJ of Blessed Sacrament Church has been standing with and comforting the workers of the Chateau Marmont in Los Angeles. He offers these thoughts on Labor Day.

On This Labor Day…

Insecurity, fear of the unknown, and anxiety have been heightened for many during this pandemic.  Unfortunately, the debilitating impact of COVID-19 has especially weighed upon those at the frontline of making us feel welcome, at home, feeding us, and finding a place of rest- Hospitality workers.

The courageous efforts of hospitality workers across the state, led to the passing of the right to recall and retention by California Gov. Gavin Newsom.  Actions like this give me hope. Caravans of workers spent days at the State Capitol, taking their righteous cause to the streets, and eventually securing an opportunity to return to jobs they have dedicated decades of their life to, amidst opposition by some employers and members of the business community.  Policy must now be put into concrete action by continuing to empower workers to be able to unionize, advocate for job safety and security, and hold employers who fail to implement the right to recall accountable.

On this Labor Day, we must recognize the dignity and labor of our frontline workers in the hospitality industry.  We must walk alongside our courageous workers to exercise and build their power through advocacy and participation in unions.

On this Labor Day, we must hold employers accountable to the law.

On this Labor Day, we must celebrate and elevate these often unsung heroes whose life of service allows us to feel welcome, at home, and find rest in airports, hotels, restaurants, businesses and industry all across California and these United States of America.