Faith Leaders Call on Bates College to Respect Workers' Rights; Halt Union Busting

Faith leaders in Androscoggin County are calling on Bates College administrators to respect workers right to organize and to cease union busting tactics. In a letter to the Bates administration, the faith leaders wrote that they have “a strong interest” in the efforts of Bates employees to form a union as many of the workers are “valued members of our congregations.” Signatories include:

• Rev. Dr. Jodi Hayashida, First Universalist Church of Auburn
• Father Edward Clifford, St. Teresa of Calcutta Catholic Parish
• Reverend Mia Dyson, Wales Presbyterian Church
• Pastor Forrest B. Genthner, First Baptist Church of Livermore Falls
• Reverend George S. Sheats, St. Michael’s Episcopal Church
• Reverend Deborah Rogers Duval, High Street Congregational UCC
• Reverend Sara Bartlett, United Church of Christ

“Human rights exercised in responsible ways secure human dignity and enhance justice in our society. As faith leaders, we are committed to supporting the human rights of all people,” the letter reads. “… We call on Bates College administrators and leaders and all those involved in this labor election to conduct themselves only with the dignity of all workers in mind. Employees subjected to intimidation and misinformation violates their human dignity and the collective dignity of the Bates College community.”

The letter states that anti-union tactics that sow “fear, confusion and intimidation” are “beneath the dignity of Bates College” and have no place in an institution with a mission dedicated to “preparing leaders sustained by a love of learning and a commitment to responsible stewardship of the wider world.” Read the full letter here.