If you've ever seen a woman in labor you will come away with a deep appreciation of the pain that is associated with giving birth. In a not so similar way there can be difficult pains that are associated with developing labor contracts in commerce.
In the world of business there's a clear delineation between management and labor or owners and contractors. By acknowledging the significance of both parties there can be a solid working relationship as each group does its part. But unfortunately there can also be times when the relationships become strained and dysfunctional, due in part from problems on either side, or both. And the bottom line of everything in negotiating a contract is the cost of doing business, or simply put, money.
As a Christian I have discovered many passages in the Bible that speak directly to the topic of money and Spiritual treasures. In the New Testament Jesus taught that we should pay our taxes and our tithes, Matthew 22:2, "Therefore render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's. Also, Matthew 6:24, "No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money." In Mark 13:45 Jesus also teaches the Spiritual value of the kingdom of God, "Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls, who on finding one pearl of great value, went and sold all that he had and bought it."
The Spiritual treasure of salvation into the kingdom of heaven is worth more than all earthly riches and possessions. There are many more verses in the Bible regarding money and treasures, and the Bible itself is of great value, as we see in Matthew 4:4. "It is written, 'Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.'" And, 1 Corinthians 1:18, "For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God." The Word of God is the light to the world for salvation and truth.
The Apostle Paul also teaches great truths in particular in Ephesians 5-6. Here we see the Christian relationships between the Lord and the church, husband and wife, parents and children, and employers and employees. In Ephesians 6:5-9 Paul says, "Bondservants (employees), obey your earthly masters (employers) with fear and trembling, with a sincere heart, as you would Christ." Here he gives us instruction in a context of faith, that a Christian society has certain structures and forms, so that there will be functionality as everyone serves the Lord. Employees are to serve their employers with subservience and excellence as "serving the Lord."
It is also important to note that employers are under direction from God to treat their employees with fairness and justice, just as they are under their Master in heaven. In Ephesians 6:9, "Masters, do the same to them, and stop your threatening, knowing that he who is both their Master and yours is in heaven, and that there is no partiality with him." In the same way we see in James 5:4, "Behold the wages of the laborers who mowed your fields, which you kept back by fraud, are crying out against you, and the cries of the harvesters have reached the ears of the Lord of hosts." Here is the principle of paying adequate wages, which corresponds equally to the principle of an honest day's work for an honest day's pay. We see for Christians that both management and labor are called to serve the Lord faithfully in whatever functional role they have.
One of the most significant teachings in Scripture on money however is the potential it has to corrupt our hearts. Money can be the source of many tangible pleasures in this world. It has the power to purchase power itself, and it has the insidious nature to be worshiped. In Luke 12:15, "Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions." In this section on trust and money Jesus concludes in 12:34, "For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also." We can quickly trust in money if we are not careful, but we must acknowledge as Christians the uncertainty of riches, and that riches cannot be trusted. God is sovereign over all and calls us to honor him in all aspects of our lives, and this includes how we use the money and talents he has given to us. Our true happiness and certainty can only come from God.
So why all this review of the biblical teaching on money and labor and management? Because I'm experiencing the pains as a flight crew member in the negotiating process of another labor contract. Call me an idealist, maybe. But I disagree with the union philosophy of a "level playing field" with my employer. Also, I oppose taking job actions against my employer due to not receiving pay raises as demanded. Even more I do not support the liberal politics that are often associated with unions.
I do believe however my employer should provide the best work environment possible (for all employees, but in particular for pilots) with work rules and compensation that promote all aspects of safety, legality and professionalism. Complications exist in that flight crew members are restricted by their seniority lists and the federal laws that govern labor contracts. But a labor contract is good business just as good fences make for good neighbors. The employer has the obligation therefore to provide a fair and equitable contract with its employees, and to uphold that contract in all situations.
It is incumbent upon management in this way to lead in righteousness with labor, and especially in acknowledging the unique aspects of aviation. The issues of fatigue from flight and extensive scheduling are particularly difficult over a long duration of many years. The recourse however when there are conflicts is first to appeal to management with a reasoned argument for contractual integrity. But then, if issues are not resolved, to appeal to government authorities that regulate all safety practices. And, if necessary and as a last resort, to leave and find employment elsewhere knowing that God holds the final court of appeal.
As a Christian and a crew member, I am caught between a rock and a hard place as I support a labor contract for good business, but I disagree with unionism. And there can be no contract, no "collectively bargained agreement," without a labor union. These are the horns of the dilemma. But without the Bible I would only be left with the secularistic world view of egalitarianism that prevails in our culture. This perspective in unions brings animosity and insubordination and do not glorify Christ.
With the truth of God's Word we find a new standard and purpose to live by in glorifying God. This is the Christian's calling, to seek the truth of Christ in all things so as to glorify God. We are called to be the best employees we can be and that means to be subservient in all aspects of a contract to our employer. But we can support a contract as good business, without greed, covetousness or contempt, as a 'necessary evil because of evil.' A legally binding agreement for labor is necessary in a broken world, but the philosophies and practices of unionism are not. We must bring the light of the gospel of Christ into every aspect of life, even for negotiating and supporting a legal labor contract.
In the world of business there's a clear delineation between management and labor or owners and contractors. By acknowledging the significance of both parties there can be a solid working relationship as each group does its part. But unfortunately there can also be times when the relationships become strained and dysfunctional, due in part from problems on either side, or both. And the bottom line of everything in negotiating a contract is the cost of doing business, or simply put, money.
As a Christian I have discovered many passages in the Bible that speak directly to the topic of money and Spiritual treasures. In the New Testament Jesus taught that we should pay our taxes and our tithes, Matthew 22:2, "Therefore render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's. Also, Matthew 6:24, "No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money." In Mark 13:45 Jesus also teaches the Spiritual value of the kingdom of God, "Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls, who on finding one pearl of great value, went and sold all that he had and bought it."
The Spiritual treasure of salvation into the kingdom of heaven is worth more than all earthly riches and possessions. There are many more verses in the Bible regarding money and treasures, and the Bible itself is of great value, as we see in Matthew 4:4. "It is written, 'Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.'" And, 1 Corinthians 1:18, "For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God." The Word of God is the light to the world for salvation and truth.
The Apostle Paul also teaches great truths in particular in Ephesians 5-6. Here we see the Christian relationships between the Lord and the church, husband and wife, parents and children, and employers and employees. In Ephesians 6:5-9 Paul says, "Bondservants (employees), obey your earthly masters (employers) with fear and trembling, with a sincere heart, as you would Christ." Here he gives us instruction in a context of faith, that a Christian society has certain structures and forms, so that there will be functionality as everyone serves the Lord. Employees are to serve their employers with subservience and excellence as "serving the Lord."
It is also important to note that employers are under direction from God to treat their employees with fairness and justice, just as they are under their Master in heaven. In Ephesians 6:9, "Masters, do the same to them, and stop your threatening, knowing that he who is both their Master and yours is in heaven, and that there is no partiality with him." In the same way we see in James 5:4, "Behold the wages of the laborers who mowed your fields, which you kept back by fraud, are crying out against you, and the cries of the harvesters have reached the ears of the Lord of hosts." Here is the principle of paying adequate wages, which corresponds equally to the principle of an honest day's work for an honest day's pay. We see for Christians that both management and labor are called to serve the Lord faithfully in whatever functional role they have.
One of the most significant teachings in Scripture on money however is the potential it has to corrupt our hearts. Money can be the source of many tangible pleasures in this world. It has the power to purchase power itself, and it has the insidious nature to be worshiped. In Luke 12:15, "Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions." In this section on trust and money Jesus concludes in 12:34, "For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also." We can quickly trust in money if we are not careful, but we must acknowledge as Christians the uncertainty of riches, and that riches cannot be trusted. God is sovereign over all and calls us to honor him in all aspects of our lives, and this includes how we use the money and talents he has given to us. Our true happiness and certainty can only come from God.
So why all this review of the biblical teaching on money and labor and management? Because I'm experiencing the pains as a flight crew member in the negotiating process of another labor contract. Call me an idealist, maybe. But I disagree with the union philosophy of a "level playing field" with my employer. Also, I oppose taking job actions against my employer due to not receiving pay raises as demanded. Even more I do not support the liberal politics that are often associated with unions.
I do believe however my employer should provide the best work environment possible (for all employees, but in particular for pilots) with work rules and compensation that promote all aspects of safety, legality and professionalism. Complications exist in that flight crew members are restricted by their seniority lists and the federal laws that govern labor contracts. But a labor contract is good business just as good fences make for good neighbors. The employer has the obligation therefore to provide a fair and equitable contract with its employees, and to uphold that contract in all situations.
It is incumbent upon management in this way to lead in righteousness with labor, and especially in acknowledging the unique aspects of aviation. The issues of fatigue from flight and extensive scheduling are particularly difficult over a long duration of many years. The recourse however when there are conflicts is first to appeal to management with a reasoned argument for contractual integrity. But then, if issues are not resolved, to appeal to government authorities that regulate all safety practices. And, if necessary and as a last resort, to leave and find employment elsewhere knowing that God holds the final court of appeal.
As a Christian and a crew member, I am caught between a rock and a hard place as I support a labor contract for good business, but I disagree with unionism. And there can be no contract, no "collectively bargained agreement," without a labor union. These are the horns of the dilemma. But without the Bible I would only be left with the secularistic world view of egalitarianism that prevails in our culture. This perspective in unions brings animosity and insubordination and do not glorify Christ.
With the truth of God's Word we find a new standard and purpose to live by in glorifying God. This is the Christian's calling, to seek the truth of Christ in all things so as to glorify God. We are called to be the best employees we can be and that means to be subservient in all aspects of a contract to our employer. But we can support a contract as good business, without greed, covetousness or contempt, as a 'necessary evil because of evil.' A legally binding agreement for labor is necessary in a broken world, but the philosophies and practices of unionism are not. We must bring the light of the gospel of Christ into every aspect of life, even for negotiating and supporting a legal labor contract.
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