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SeanF1989
Guest
According to BBC history website Pope Pius XI called the 1926 General Strike (UK) a sin against God.
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1ke
Guest
Well, I think a lot more information would have to be forthcoming to give an intelligent response to this.
In general, the Church recognizes the rights of workers to organize and to strike.
I am unfamiliar with this particular historical event, so perhaps there was something specific about the actions of the strike participants that would be relevant to such an opinion. If in fact the Pope actually said such a thing, which I can find no evidence of.
In general, the Church recognizes the rights of workers to organize and to strike.
I am unfamiliar with this particular historical event, so perhaps there was something specific about the actions of the strike participants that would be relevant to such an opinion. If in fact the Pope actually said such a thing, which I can find no evidence of.
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Bartolome_Casas
Guest
Pope John Paul II was very supportive of the Solidarity workers union in Poland. It carried out many strikes. That union actually ended up bringing down the whole Soviet empire. Just think: Communism was ended by a Labor Union!
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Khalid
Guest
No, the act of striking in itself is not a mortal sin. Depending on the specific strike, the actions of the labourers and the effects it has, it can be sinful (for an obvious example, a strike which is harming individuals or denying basic services - imagine, if the police were to strike, and withdraw policing services). I imagine the circumstances surrounding that in 1926 were of a kind to make the strike sinful, if the Pope actually did make that pronouncement (I can’t find it outside of the BBC).
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Newbie2
Guest
I guess the morality of going on strike depends on the morality of the things going on strike over.
I don’t have any recent examples, but let’s say a company’s hourly workers go on strike for more pay. They are being paid the industry standard for their work. The argument could be made that going on strike is sinful, but there are a whole lot of other factors: did their representation bargin in good faith prior to calling for a strike? Can the company afford to give raises? etc, etc.
On the other hand, is management barganing in good faith, paying the workers a fair wage (and what exactly is “fair”), etc.
Lots of variables.
Going on strike when it is unlawful to do so, like some teachers did here in Michigan a few years ago would seem to be problematic from a sin standpoint.
I don’t have any recent examples, but let’s say a company’s hourly workers go on strike for more pay. They are being paid the industry standard for their work. The argument could be made that going on strike is sinful, but there are a whole lot of other factors: did their representation bargin in good faith prior to calling for a strike? Can the company afford to give raises? etc, etc.
On the other hand, is management barganing in good faith, paying the workers a fair wage (and what exactly is “fair”), etc.
Lots of variables.
Going on strike when it is unlawful to do so, like some teachers did here in Michigan a few years ago would seem to be problematic from a sin standpoint.
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Mickey_Finn
Guest
No it is not a sin to go on strike. In fact, if a Legal strike is called. It may be a sin not to walk. After all, when you join with your brothers for the common good of all. You give your word that you will stand with them. Taking part in an illegal strike might be another matter.
But, with our nations employer slanted laws. I’d side with workers right to organize, and or strike.ATB
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