The term labor is a broad category that is used to refer to workers, jobs, and wages. Labor can also refer to the labor movement, to organized labor, and to labor unions. The Jewish people, and the Reform Movement, have deep historical ties to the labor movement. To this day, labor unions remain one of the best ways to ensure workers receive the compensation, benefits, and safe working conditions they need.
The Torah emphasizes the importance of fairness to workers.
"You shall not abuse a needy and destitute laborer…you must pay out the wages due on the same day, before the sun sets, for the workers is needy and urgently depends on it” (Deuteronomy 24:14-15).
