The possibility has been raised that unfair dismissal laws could be scrapped for all workers. It is a marvel to me. Costello turns up and plays the Christian card at large gatherings of Pentecostal Christians such as Hillsong and Catch the Fire. It is clearly only skin deep. Integral to the Judaeo-Christian tradition is ethical practice in the workplace and in trade. Justice - economic justice, justice for workers, justice for those on the lower socio-economic rungs - is an integral part of our relationship with God and our worship. The Book of Amos though written in the eighth century BCE is so relevant. Amos paints a picture of people very involved in worship, to the extent where they did even more than was strictly required. Yet these same people could not wait for the sabbath and holy days to be over so that trade could begin and they could continue with their sharp and unjust business practices. Peter Costello needs to remember that the Christian life does not consist of turning up at Christian gatherings and meetings. It is about what you do. Jesus had something to say about this. Not only is Australia moving away from Christian norms and standards regarding workplace relations, see how far we are moving away from international standards and treaties to which this nation is a signatory by looking at the work of the International Labour Organization. And check out the ILO Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work.
