There is no group in American society with whom it is easier to share a conversation about Catholic social teaching than the leaders of the American labor movement, writes NCR columnist Michael Sean Winters.
Commentary: In 2020, our zeal to consume took a virtual turn. But do we question who made our sweater, or the coffee we're drinking, and which workers toiled to source the raw materials required to produce these goods?
Michael Sean Winters: A new think tank study is a must-read for everyone interested in politics. "Factory Towns" examines where the Democrats have lost ground since the 2012 election in 10 Midwestern states.
Michael Sean Winters: Organized labor and the Catholic Church have enjoyed a long and important relationship. As the AFL-CIO chooses Liz Shuler to lead its 11 million members, the alliance has never been more needed — both by the church and by the unions.
Michael Sean Winters rounds up political news and commentary: Washington Post's deep dive into demographics; California may have enough water after all; Texas' political system "on fire"; #MeToo dialogue with Titian.
Distinctly Catholic: Richard Trumka was a leader of extraordinary commitment, intelligence and savvy. Those of us committed to rebuilding the once vibrant relations between labor and the Catholic Church have lost a hero.
Appreciation: Richard Trumka, president of the AFL-CIO, died unexpectedly this week. His passing is a deep loss for the American labor movement and for working men and women across the country.
Distinctly Catholic: The vote at the Alabama Amazon plant was a loss for organized labor. There is no way to sugarcoat that fact. Like every loss, there are lessons to be learned about future organizing efforts.
Michael Sean Winters rounds up political news and commentary: Pope Francis' chrism Mass homily; the 2020 Latino vote; 'everyday ethics and solidarity' of women religious; good news for labor and for tourists.
