This picture was on the front page of the New York Times yesterday in an article about the deplorable working conditions of men in India who make manhole covers for the New York City’s Department of Environmental Protection. As the article put it, the men were shirtless, barefoot, sweaty, and whip-thin without even basic humane safety standards present.

Here’s the response from Michael Clendenin, director of media relations for ConEd:

We were disturbed by the photos…we take worker safety very seriously.

Classic!

Now apparently they’ve wizened up and realized that basic humane working conditions for non-USAmerican international workers is actually important. Now they’re rewriting international contracts to include safety requirements. What a novel concept! Safety standards for all humans–even those outside USAmerica who are working for USA Inc.–who would have thought?!?

And this surfaces a week after fresh revelations out of the same country (India) that continues to use contractors that employ child labor, with kids as young as 10 years old stitching together cute little polos for suburban 10 year olds in USAmerica and knitting cute scarves for soccer moms. Now they’re going to throw $200,000 at the problem and insist once and for all that just, humane conditions be afforded their international workers. They’re serious this time. Last time they were, too. But this time they’re for really, really serious!

I write this to make an appeal for those reading this blog, and especially those who follow Jesus: hold USA Inc. accountable to the working standards of it’s employees, whether those working here or abroad! How can governments and companies and people abuse other human beings in the name of cheap shirts? How can USA Inc. insist on rock-bottom prices that barely allow for sustainable living, much less a living wage for people? How can we as consumers and spenders give our money to companies that insist on child labor or turn the eye to subhuman working conditions? Even more so, why doesn’t the broad spectrum of the Body of Christ lead the charge for fair and safe working conditions for all workers? How cool would it be for the Church to hold corporations responsible for their labor practices as a witness to the way of the Kingdom of Heaven? Now that would bear witness to the majesty and beauty of Jesus and his good news, wouldn’t it?

I for one will never shop at the Gap or any of its other stores (Old Navy and Banana Republic) again. And that pains me, because I love BR. But my conscience cannot allow me to enable corporations to perpetuate injustice and inequity among God’s Eikons.

Thankfully some groups (like Adbusters) have been calling for a re-evaluation of spending habits and international working conditions for years. Now is the time for the Church to do the same. And more: now is the time for Americans to say enough is enough, use the power of their income to support honest wages and working conditions, and followers of Jesus to insist that Beings crafted after the image of God be treated fairly and with dignity.