Trade union wants better protection for God’s workers

Symon Hill learns about attempts to improve conditions for staff in religious employment

by Symon Hill 14th January 2010

The treatment of staff in religious organisations is under the spotlight, following an anti-bullying campaign launched by a trade union representing thousands of ministers and priests. In addition, Church Action on Poverty (CAP) says that many faith groups are still failing to pay a living wage.  Unite, Britain’s biggest trade union, said last week that it deals with about 150 cases of clergy bullying each year. The union’s campaign was described as ‘a wake-up call to those in authority who can make a difference’ by Rachael Maskell, national officer of Unite’s Faith Workers’ Branch, which has around 2,500 members.