Obligation to the Worker
Lo Ta'ashok
Jewish tradition prizes dignity of the worker, particularly defined by employer obligations. Deuteronomy 24:14-15 states: “You shall not abuse a needy and destitute laborer, whether a fellow countryman or a stranger in one of the communities of your land.” The rabbis of the Talmud added a theological basis for this obligation: “‘For the people of Israel are servants to Me’ – they are servants to Me, and not servants to other servants.” (BT Bava Metzia 10a, quoting Leviticus 25:55).
JLens’ evaluation and advocacy focuses on:
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Fair wages and gender/racial pay equity
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Elimination of child labor and forced labor
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Worker health and safety (including reproductive, mental, Covid, and other health benefits)
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Workforce diversity data and targets with recruitment and retention programs
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Support for worker association and collective bargaining

Six Value Pillars
Obligation to the Worker
Lo Ta'ashok