BY JONATHAN GALLAGHER, United Nations liaison director, General Conference

uring the world church's executive committee on October 14, members debated and approved a document that makes recommendations on employer-employee relationships.

Introduced by General Conference vice president Lowell Cooper, the guidelines document summarizes Adventist principles as applied to the work environment, an addresses concerns over labor union membership and management practices.

Questions
"Questions have come in on whether we are changing our historic stand in relation to trade unions," Cooper said in his introduction. Consequently it was decided it would be "well to have a carefully considered statement" on these issues.

Cooper explained that while the North American Division and some other world divisions have statements on such issues, the General Conference has no such document. "We are not proposing a policy statement, but sharing a document crafted with broad parameters on employer-employee relations. In trying to serve the world church we have sought to provide biblical principles and values," Cooper said. He also added that the document "gives a platform to address labor union questions but also issues of management style."

The document refers to "guidance on how Christians should respond to requests or demands put upon them by employers, labor organizations, and governments." In general terms, the document declares that "the workplace should be characterized by and atmosphere of mutual service and mutual respect. Adversarial relationships between employer and employees, born of suspicion, self-interest and rivalry, deny dignity to persons and ignore the larger interests and needs of society."

In a paragraph that generated some discussion, the document states that "Christians should refrain from violence, coercion or any method incompatible with Christian ideals as instruments in the attainment of social or economic goals." Referencing the position of Ellen White, the document also quotes her statement: "We are not to unite with secret societies or with trade unions."

Mack Tennyson, a lay member from South Carolina, questioned the use of the word "coercion," pointing out that the demand for a pay raise under the threat of quitting could be seen as coercive. In response, reference was made to previous church statements using the same word.

Trans-European Division secretary Harald Wollan commented that he was "happy these are guidelines," adding that in the way it details how workers should be treated "we would have avoided problems in the past." He also mentioned that in some countries union membership is mandated by the government, and that regional church leaders should deal with the issue of labor unions according to their particular situation.

Jemuel Toledanes, Philippine Central Union president, asked whether fraternities would be classed as "secret societies" in terms of the document. Cooper responded that in addressing questions, the fundamental principles should be examined, especially those relating to freedom of conscience and freedom of mission.

GC Public Affairs and Religious Liberty director John Graz said he approved of the document, saying that while he was not advocating joining labor unions, they could also be helpful. "We should at least dialogue with them so they know our position," he added.

The guidelines document was voted by the executive committee.