The Kalmanovitz Initiative for Labor and the Working Poor is Launched
A reception on November 10 in Riggs Library at Georgetown University marked the formal launch of the Kalmanovitz Initiative for Labor and the Working Poor. A gathering of over 100 supporters from the university, metropolitan Washington, organized labor, business, religious, and community organizations was on hand for the event. The gathering was addressed by President John J. DeGioia, Lou Giraudo of the Kalmanovitz Charitable Foundation, and Joseph A. McCartin, Executive Director of the Initiative. In his remarks, President DeGioia observed:
In a real sense, all that we have here tonight is a gift of labor, whether a labor of construction, a labor of scholarship, or a labor of service. And as Pope John Paul II wrote, “Work is a good thing for man – a good thing for his humanity – because, through work, man not only transforms nature, adapting it to his own needs, but he also achieves fulfillment as a human being and, indeed, in a sense, becomes ‘more a human being.’” (Encyclical letter Laborem exercens n. 9)
But in celebrating the work, we must also care for the worker. As Catholics, we are the heirs of a long tradition of thought and teaching on the moral dimensions of economic activity and economic relations. More than 100 years ago, Pope Leo XIII wrote the encyclical Rerum Novarum, which is often considered the cornerstone of Catholic social teaching on the proper relations of employers and employees. Rerum Novarum firmly supported the right of workers to secure fair wages and working conditions. It championed collective bargaining. And it asserted that the State has a duty to intervene on behalf of justice, and for individual and social well-being.
The challenge, and call to action, of Rerum Novarum is another example that our faith has always been measured—and tested—by how we treat the neediest, the most vulnerable, the most wounded in our midst. Our times have changed, but the imperative has not. Still with us are the vulnerable—the working poor and all those who are in need of economic justice. We are called anew to care for them, to uphold the dignity of the laborer, to answer the challenge of globalization.
Lou Giraudo of the Kalmanovitz Charitable Foundation stressed the the purpose of the Initiative is to devise solutions to the problems that beset labor and the working poor.
Above all, what we want is something that is practical, something that works to improve the lives of workers and the working poor.
Santiago Rafael Cruz was found murdered at the Monterrey, Mexico offices of the Farm Labor Organizing Committee on April 9, 2007, where he worked as a field organizer for farm workers traveling to the United States.
Since that time, FLOC President Baldemar Velásquez and thousands of supporters have called on the government of Nuevo Leon state to conduct a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding Cruz’s murder. Despite an order from the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights, says Velásquez, authorities have refused to pursue the political and 
economic motives that may have led to his killing
This Wednesday, November 4, FLOC President Baldemar Velásquez and attorney Leonel Rivero will address the connection between the U.S. labor market that draws Mexican workers across the border and the corruption of human trafficking. They will also present a briefing of FLOC’s independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding this crime. You can RSVP for this event on Facebook.
University janitor Oscar Dantzler speaks with students alongside Producer Patrick Shen
Last week’s screenings of The Philosopher Kings and Office Space were a big hit with students, staff and guests alike.
On October 15, Duke University janitor Oscar Dantzler spoke alongside film Producer Patrick Shen about their experiences creating The Philosopher Kings. Students had an opportunity to interact with Shen and Dantzler as they talked about their own roles in making a film about the wisdom and insights of working people.
Friday night’s screening of Office Space offered a more lighthearted opportunity to explore the issues that face white collar workers — and the actors who depict them in film. After raffling off a few replicas of the infamous red stapler featured in the film, actors Stephen Root and Gary Cole engaged in a enlightening discussion with film goers about some of the meanings behind the movie and their own roles as actors in the film industry.
For the first time, Georgetown will have the opportunity to host part of the DC Labor Film Fest — now in it’s ninth year — on campus, featuring two films about the challenges facing working people in the twenty-first century economy. Join us on Thursday, Oct 15 at 8PM in the ICC Auditorium for a free screening of The Philosopher Kings, along with Director Patrick Shen and Producer Greg Bennick. Then come back the next night, Friday, October 16 at 8PM to see the widely popular Office Space along with actors Stephen Root (Milton) and Gary Cole (Lumberg).
October 15: The Philosopher Kings
A brand-new documentary that has been grabbing viewers’ attention here and overseas, The Philosopher Kings chronicles the stories and perspectives of university janitors — workers who often feel ignored or overlooked both by their bosses and the communities they serve. From the official website:
In search of wisdom found in unlikely places, The Philosopher Kings takes us on a journey through the halls of the most prestigious colleges and universities in America to learn from the staff members who see it all and have been through it all: the custodians. This thought-provoking, feature-length documentary interweaves the untold stories of triumph and tragedy from the members of society who are often disregarded and ignored, and seeks out the kind of wisdom that gets you through the day and the lessons one learns from surviving hard times, lost loves, and shattered dreams.
RSVP and invite friends on Facebook.
October 16: Office Space
A perennial DC Labor FilmFest favorite, the outrageously funny cult classic, Office Space returns for a 10th anniversary screening with a special appearance by Milton (Stephen Root), the office worker who decides to fight back against his oppressive employer. His boss, the infamous Lumberg (Gary Cole), will also be on hand — minus the TPS reports. The screening will feature a raffle of Office Space related kitsch, including a precious red Swingline stapler.
RSVP and invite friends on Facebook.
Georgetown University’s Kalmanovitz Initiative for Labor and the Working Poor is co-sponsoring these screenings along with Georgetown’s Film and Media Studies Initiative, the English Department, and the Metropolitan Washington AFL-CIO Central Labor Council. For a PDF file of all the films being shown at the AFI Theatre and elsewhere during the festival, click here.
Hoyas, labor activists, community members, friends and family were out in force on September 4 to honor retiring AFL-CIO President John Sweeney with an honorary Doctor of Laws degree, in recognition of his lifelong dedication to working people. With the Georgetown Chimes singing a cappella from the balcony, administrators in full academic regalia and the beauty of Gaston Hall as a backdrop, Georgetown University President John DeGioia offered praise for Mr. Sweeney’s leadership, fighting “to champion the dignity of workers — and work.”
John Sweeney receives an honorary degree. Credit: Phil Humnicky
Remarking as he took the podium that this honor “even nudges out being selected some years back to be the Grand Marshall of the New York St. Patrick’s Day Parade,” President Sweeney stressed that his Catholic faith served as a “bedrock” for his life’s work in the labor movement.
He referred to Pope Benedict XVI’s recent encyclical “Caritas in Veritate,” which reinforced the Catholic Church’s longstanding support for workers’ rights in the light of recent upheavals in the global economy. Sweeney said that the document:
…exposes the evils of unfettered globalism, shattering the notion that markets can be counted on to regulate themselves or that built-in quotas of poverty and underdevelopment are acceptable ways to make markets work.
Of great importance to me as leader of the American labor movement, the Holy Father reaffirms our belief in government as a legitimate tool for correcting injustice and inequality, and for regulating business. He writes: “The market is not, and must not become, the place where the strong subdue the weak.”
He went on to praise Georgetown’s own efforts to respond to the needs of workers both at Georgetown and outside the Healy Gates. Sweeney added:
We applaud the creation of your wonderful new Initiative for Labor and the Working Poor, which puts the considerable influence and resources of Georgetown University behind our shared commitment to just workplace relations, especially on behalf of low-wage and immigrant workers.
Following the ceremony, students and professors mingled with labor leaders and invited guests at a reception outside Gaston Hall. MSNBC’s Chris Matthews (seen below speaking with newly-elected AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka) was even on hand to join in the festivities.
Credit: Phil Humnicky
Announcing “Work Studies,” a blog of the Kalmanovitz Initiative for Labor and the Working Poor, launching this fall at Georgetown University. As we engage with students, academics, workers, unions, employers and community leaders in the months ahead, we’ll be highlighting innovative responses to the challenges facing working people in a changing economy. This blog is geared towards not only keeping you abreast of our efforts and upcoming events, but also providing a window into the broader issues and struggles that contextualize our work.
Stay up to date with the latest upcoming events by joining our Facebook page or emailing us at kilwp@georgetown.edu
