Pax Christi/Baltimore, the local Chapter of Pax Christi
USA, began activity in Baltimore in November, 1985. Since that time, the
Chapter consistently has presented events, programs, and observances focusing
on the spiritual dimensions of taking action for a better world, in the
context of the broad scope of Catholic Church social teaching.
IMMEDIATE ACTIVITIES:
Way of the Cross
Good Friday Stations Procession
Good Friday, April 2, 2010
Gather at Noon at City Hall
Noon to around 2 pm
Returning to City Hall for closing
All are welcome
CHAPTER DEVELOPMENT AND PROGRAM
NEWS
BE SURE TO SEND YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS AS
WE DEVELOP THE CHAPTER EMAIL/ LISTSERVE
Efforts continue to develop our Chapter's new listserve, and for more
regular updates of our Chapter website. If you have received a copy of
this Bulletin, please send us your email address. It can be sent to Coordinator
Chuck Michaels at
cwmichaels@igc.org.
ORGANIZING VICTORY!
VICTORY IN LOCAL LABOR EFFORT! AGREEMENT REACHED
IN EFFORTS FOR LIVING WAGE FOR CAMDEN YARDS WORKERS!
Soon after a Labor Day prayer breakfast and vigil--as among the numerous
public activities, rallies, press conferences and events for a living wage
for Camden Yards cleaning workers--State authorities and the Stadium agreed
in principle to a new living wage agreement for the next contract. The
United Workers Association which had been lobbying on behalf of the Camden
Yards stadium cleaners, had given the Stadium officials and the State a
September 1 deadline on the demand for a new living wage agreement, before
a planned hunger strike and other public events. The hunger strike was
postponed while negotiations continued, and a living wage agreement was
announced soon afterwards.
The living wage agreement is a significant step forward for better wages
and working conditions for these workers, many of whom are indigent. The
day labor contract agency which hires the workers often charges transportation
costs and other fees against the already low hourly wages for work that
involves hours of painstakingly cleaning the Camden Yards stadium of trash
and litter and food left after an Orioles home game. The result was a less
than acceptable wage for these workers. Months of negotiations with the
Stadium and State officials had produced no progress until the announcement
for a living wage agreement was made in early September. The United Workers
celebrated with a victory concert on Saturday, September 8.
Recently, as part of this effort, on May 20, a march at Broadway and
Bank Street and a concert at Patterson Park were held to emphasize the
continuing effort for a living wage for workers at Camden Yards. Organized
by United Workers, the effort is endorsed by Pax Christi Baltimore and
other groups. After the protest action, United Workers organizers were
given a Peace Order preventing them from talking to workers gathered in
front of Next Day Staffing and at Gate F at Camden Yards. United Workers
had responded with a press conference, and another meeting and press conference
on May 25. The organization states that it will not be affected by intimidation
tactics. The United Workers had given the Stadium Authority a September
1 deadline, for a binding living wage agreement. For more information or
to join this local labor effort, go to www.unitedworkers.org.
There will be more activities and events to come as United Workers continues
to press for better working conditions for these workers and other day
laborers. The United Workers group is funded in part by local CHD and their
efforts are endorsed by Pax Christi Baltimore.
