A New Protestant Labor Ethic at Work

For many Christians and others the idea of covenant the mutual obligation and shared sense of purpose is an understandably desirable vehicle to bring an ethic of love into important relationships. Ken Estey in this important book shows the danger of applying such an idea to the workplace. Looking at the GM Saturn plant in Spring Hill Tennessee against the background of a critique of Christian business ethics company unionism and broader labor history Estey offers an alternative labor ethic striving to transform structural inequalities now central to corporate dominance which truly respect the personhood and collective aspirations of working people. This is a very insightful essay a useful discussion of crucial issues of work and community. --William K. Tabb Queens College City University of New York and author of Unequal Partners: A Primer on Globalization Labor/management cooperation programs are uncritically supported by many theologians and ethicists. Estey draws on the seldom heard voices of workers for a much-needed assessment of both covenantal business ethics and theologies of work. His new Protestant labor ethic is an accessible and timely alternative to the traditional Protestant work ethic. --Pamela J. Brubaker California Lutheran University and author of Globalization at What Price? Estey brings to the fore perhaps the single most important fact of life at work the inherent conflict of interest that permeates labor management relations and divides the working class from the capitalists. Looking into this class conflict with clear eyes and a sympathy for workers Estey presents an important challenge to the usual Christian business ethics. In its place he formulates an ethic that lifts the dignity of workers as well as work to the center of our attention. --Michael Zweig Professor of Economics and Director of the Center for Study of Working Class Life State University of New York Stony Brook Dr. Ken Estey is an assistant professor at Brooklyn College City University of New York in the Department of Political Science and he is also the Coordinator for the Studies in Religion Program.