Many of us have been raised on the idea known as “the Protestant work ethic”, meaning we must work for what we earn. Most of us recognize, however, the difficulties that full time low wage employees face today in meeting their basic needs for food, shelter, and transportation. In cities all over our country we have seen proposals to raise minimum wages to living wages, but what do all these financial issues and concerns say about the value and meaning of work in our culture today? As we approach another Labor Day holiday, we will be invited to reflect on the meaning and value of work in our otherwise affluent society.