They should be commended. They may not be church members. They aren't hired on the basis of religious affiliation. These men and women mop the floors of Catholic schools, work in Catholic hospital kitchens and perform other sometimes menial tasks in various institutions. They have not volunteered to serve the church for less than proportionate compensation.
Management also sets their pay scale also.
Theoretically, they are free to take it or leave it. But many cannot afford to leave it. Finally, if the truth be told, their standard of living in many cases is considerably lower than that of church professionals under vows or a promise of obedience. This means that church leaders and administrators of church- related institutions must recognize the right of their employees to organize if the workers so desire. Attempts, direct or indirect, to circumvent or interfere with the free exercise of this right could divide the Catholic community and neutralize the effectiveness of our programs for social justice both at home and abroad.