We are writing in reference to the article “Casting Lots” (5/25), written by Nico Colombant. Colombant interviewed both of us when he prepared this piece, but we were not mentioned in the final version of the article. We would like to make our views about the InterPark labor dispute known here.
Colombant characterized current union-organizing activity as “conflicts…now fought in isolated, tiny battles….” We want to make clear that the fight being waged by InterPark parking workers in the D.C. area is neither an isolated nor a tiny battle. Like many current labor campaigns, the Local 27 struggle has support from members of other unions, students, community leaders, and people of faith.
As Jews, we have an immigrant history in this country. Our forebears found economic stability in large part through organizing trade unions that ensured job security, safety, health care, dignity on the job, and family-sustaining wages. We believe that InterPark workers, the majority of whom are recent immigrants, deserve the same right to organize a union and work toward a better life for themselves and their families. Furthermore, we believe that these workers have a right to have that organizing take place in an environment free from harassment and intimidation.
Jewish law is clear that workers are to be treated fairly: “You shall not oppress a hired laborer that is poor and needy, whether he be of your people or of the strangers that are in the land within your gates.” Moreover, Jewish history requires us to take an unequivocal position against injustice. We will not sit quietly by as InterPark parking workers are thwarted in their fight for a fair and democratic process by which to decide on union representation. We will continue to march, chant, leaflet, and stand with InterPark parking workers and Local 27for as long as it takes to win.
Lead Organizer
Jews United for Justice
Robin Katcher
Coordinating Committee Member
Jews United for Justice