National Interfaith Committee for Worker Justice (NICWJ) supplies congregations with bulletin inserts on worker rights and workplace safety.
Designed by the Chicago non-profit that has been educating religious groups about worker rights for 10 years, the inserts cater to groups ranging from employers to immigrant workers.
The bulletin insert for low-wage workers provides information on minimum wage and overtime pay, and explains the differences between jobs paid by the hour, the piece, salary or commission.
Another insert explains restrictions that apply to working teenagers. Turning 18 enables them to “work in any job at any time, for any number of hours.”
“If you are 14 or 15, you may work in office, clerical and sales jobs,” reads the insert. It also explains what equipment is considered hazardous and what time restrictions apply to teenage labor during school months.
“Complaints of discrimination on the bases of race, color, religion, sex and national origin may be brought against employers with 15 or more employees,” reads an insert promoting fairness in workplace.
An insert on the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) provides a quiz (with answers) about employer responsibilities for creating and maintaining a safer workplace.
Each bulletin insert gives state-specific contact information for the Department of Labor and local regulatory affiliates.
For more information on workplace justice, please visit the committee’s Web site, www.nicwj.org. Insert previews can be downloaded from the site under “Materials” tab; Adobe Acrobat software is required.
