Message of WMCW on 1st of May 2020

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On 1^st May, International Workers’ Day, as a World Movement of Christian Workers, we commemorate:

The liberating feat of the martyred workers of Chicago, USA, 1884. Those who with their days of protest, stoppages and boycotts, from May 1 to 4, 1884, claimed an 8-hour day of work: "eight hours for labour eight hours for recreation and eight hours for rest ”- American Federation of Labour.

Our commitment as a Christian workers' movement, articulated to the struggles of all the workers in the countryside and the city; in achieving a Decent Life expressed in: decent work days, fair wages and humane conditions in the work environment.

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Message of Pope Francis to popular movements and organizations on Easter Sunday 2020

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To our brothers and sisters of popular movements and organizations

Dear Friends,

I often recall our previous meetings: two at the Vatican and one in Santa Cruz de la Sierra, and I must tell you that this “souvenir” warms my heart. It brings me closer to you, and helps me re-live so many dialogues we had during those times. I think of all the beautiful projects that emerged from those conversations and took shape and have become reality. Now, in the midst of this pandemic, I think of you in a special way and wish to express my closeness to you. In these days of great anxiety and hardship, many have used war-like metaphors to refer to the pandemic we are experiencing. If the struggle against COVID-19 is a war, then you are truly an invisible army, fighting in the most dangerous trenches; an army whose only weapons are solidarity, hope, and community spirit, all revitalizing at a time when no one can save themselves alone. As I told you in our meetings, to me you are social poets because, from the forgotten peripheries where you live, you create admirable solutions for the most pressing problems afflicting the marginalized.

I know that you nearly never receive the recognition that you deserve, because you are truly invisible to the system. Market solutions do not reach the peripheries, and State protection is hardly visible there. Nor do you have the resources to substitute for its functioning. You are looked upon with suspicion when through community organization you try to move beyond philanthropy or when, instead of resigning and hoping to catch some crumbs that fall from the table of economic power, you claim your rights. You often feel rage and powerlessness at the sight of persistent inequalities and when any excuse at all is sufficient for maintaining those privileges. Nevertheless, you do not resign yourselves to complaining: you roll up your sleeves and keep working for your families, your communities, and the common good. Your resilience helps me, challenges me, and teaches me a great deal.

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STOP VIRUSES!

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The world is upside down! The planet is in a state of panic!

And all this because of a small, elusive virus that attacks both rich and poor, that crosses borders "without showing its papers"!

And this small, odourless, colourless virus is stronger than any media campaign or international trade union: it blocks the entire world economy, makes the stock exchanges from Tokyo to New York stagger, terrorises all political and economic leaders, calls into question the functioning of the globalised neo-liberal economy, forces us to talk about "downturn"?

"Cast down the mighty from their thrones,..."

Lord God, You who hear the joys and sorrows of this world,

with WMCW  movements, united in one heart and one faith, we want to tell you:

Look at the thousands of distressed people,

And give us the strength to widen our gaze!

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