Response from Rev. Graylan Scott Hagler on the UCCtruths.com story:

 "11th Commandment: Thou shall strike"

I stumbled across your web site, and saw the piece “Thou Shall Not Strike.” It is interesting how easy it is to criticize without knowing the dynamics. Here in Washington, DC/Baltimore Metropolitan area Safeway and Giant control 75% of the market share. There has been no erosion of their market share nor the entrance into the market of non-union entities. Safeway/Giant has enjoyed tremendous profits over the years and a loyal customer base. What you fail to recognize is that the gathering was not UCC clergy. I was the only one and organized the gathering. The gathering was Baptist, Pentecostal, Methodist, and Evangelicals. This is my clergy constituency in Washington, DC and beyond.

The issues at stake in the labor dispute were healthcare, pension and other components that contributed to or lessened the quality of life. Already low salaried workers were being pushed to pay more in healthcare and receive less in benefits. The clergy were briefed about the issues – after all both the customers and the workers are members of our various congregations. We as clergy made the decision to call upon our members to respect the picket lines (if there was a strike), and to boycott the stores in the meantime.

The result of our actions was that management reconsidered their hard line, and labor agreed to forward a proposal to the members of the union. The members of the union agreed to the contract and a strike was averted. I need to point out that healthcare and pension was maintained, and the workers ended up with more than they imagined.

Both Safeway/Giant and the Union admit today that the strike was averted because of the ministers and their strong stance. More ministers need to heed this lesson and stand for something rather than always surrendering to the feigned position of objectivity.


With Faith in the Risen Christ,
Rev. Graylan Scott Hagler,
Senior Minister,
Plymouth Congregational United Church of Christ,
Washington, D.C.
And
National President,
Ministers for Racial, Social and Economic Justice
Of the United Church of Christ