Wednesday, February 23, 2011

Clarifying Abp Listecki's "Labor Letter"

From Bp. Morlino of Madison:

The Wisconsin Catholic Conference (WCC) has chosen a neutral stance because the present dilemma comes down to either a choice for the common good, of sacrifice on the part of all, at times that pose immense economic threats, both present and future on the one hand, and on the other hand, a choice for the rights of workers to a just compensation for services rendered, and to the upholding of contracts legally made. As Catholics, we see both of these horns of the dilemma as good, and yet the current situation calls many of us to choose between these two goods. Thus the WCC has taken a neutral stance, and this is the point of Archbishop Listecki’s recent statement, which I have echoed. --quoted at Badger Catholic

Note well: the Wisconsin Catholic Conference issued the memorandum, not Abp. Listecki (although he did sign it as Chief of the Conference.)

Evidently, Bp. Morlino plans to release a much longer letter tomorrow.

There is one clause which raises a question: "....upholding contracts legally made." The good Bishop implies that such contracts will be broken, and that is NOT the case. The legislation will allow changes to bargaining when current contracts expire, not before.

And of course, he brings up "fairness" (in the context of 'just compensation.'

That longer 'splanation will bear study.

3 comments:

Joe @ Defend Us In Battle said...

I am glad we have you and Badger on the case on this issue. It is nice to get some real info coming out of the Cheese State.

Anonymous said...

Wouldn't the casual reader assume your scholarly interpretation of RCC officials' statements conveniently supports your anti-union screeds?

Dad29 said...

They may draw any inference they wish.

You certainly do.