Seeking 'Enough for All'

Vigil aims to highlight struggles of low-wage workers

Friday, March 17, 2006

By Renée K. Gadoua

Staff writer

Jacob's ladder is broken, members of the Central NY Labor-Religion Coalition said Thursday.

"Can't climb out of poverty on a broken ladder," read a sign at a brief noontime rally at Syracuse's Columbus Circle, where about 15 people sang and prayed to call attention to the problems low-wage workers face.

Steps on a wooden ladder were marked with phrases including minimum-wage jobs, lack of child care, substandard housing, Medicaid cuts and outsourcing.

"The ladder of justice is broken," Pat Rector said, alluding to a passage in the Book of Genesis that refers to a ladder to heaven.

Some of those at the vigil began a 40-hour fast Wednesday. The fast will end at noon today at the UAW Union Hall, 714 Manlius St., East Syracuse.

"We're here to stop and pause and fast and meditate from our riches to bring to the forefront the struggles of low-wage workers," said Ann Marie Taliercio, president of Unite Here Local 150, which represents about 600 workers.

The Rev. Craig Schaub, of Plymouth Congregational Church in Syracuse, invited participants to sign postcards for state lawmakers, urging them to consider legislation that would create a universal health care program.

"We gather in hope that you will use this 40-hour fast to deepen our awareness of our brothers and sisters," Schaub said in an opening prayer. "We seek to have enough for all."

The group sang "We are climbing Jacob's ladder," with lyrics echoing the vigil's theme. "Use your faith to work for justice," they sang.

Renee K. Gadoua can be reached at rgadoua@syracuse.com or 315/ 470-2203.