Dignity of Work and Rights of Workers

The economy must serve people, not the other way around. Work is a form of continuing participation in God’s creation. The basic rights of workers must be respected--the right to productive work, to decent and fair wages, and to the organization and joining of unions. Economic initiative and private property must not cause injustice by creating excesses for some while others lack basic needs.

Since we’ve all just celebrated Labor Day, the Justice and Peace Committee asks you this month to reflect on the Catholic Social Teaching theme Dignity of Work and Rights of Workers.  We invite you to spend some significant time with Brother Mickey McGrath’s art, the explanation of the theme, the reflection questions, and the resources from the Church and other groups below. Special prayers and thanks to all the teachers going back to work!

Questions for Reflection

As you read these, think about one work-related issue that is tugging at your heart enough that you would research it and become more knowledgeable.

  • How has my perception of the dignity of work and the rights of workers changed because of the events of 2020 and the rise of the gig economy?
  • Since the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, more than 12 million people have likely lost their employer-sponsored health insurance. Should access to healthcare be directly coupled to employment?
  • Should corporations be responsible for the health and safety of their employees on the job?
  • In 2019, only about 10.5% of workers belonged to a union, including only 6.4% of the private sector. Catholic Social Teaching sees the organization and joining of unions as a basic right of workers.  What has been your or your family or friends’ experience with membership or lack of membership in a union?
  • Income inequality is the highest in U.S. history, according to Census Bureau data. Over the last 40 years, CEO compensation grew by 1,167% while the compensation of a typical worker rose 13.7%. What can we do as Catholics to begin changing this?
  • What goes into a healthy and respectful work environment? How can I make my work environment as positive as possible?

U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops Resources

CRS/USCCB Catholic Social Teaching 101 Video: Dignity of Work and Rights of Workers (4 minutes) Watch the video HERE.

The USCCB’s Dept. of Justice, Peace and Human Development introduces the Labor Day 2020 Reflection Guide. The worldwide pandemic has opened the eyes of many to disparities that affect workers and their families. Utilize the guide to reflect on the dignity of work, learn about how the Church is responding through the work of CCHD, and know ways you can stand in solidarity with workers in your community. 

View the Sept. 7, 2020 Labor Day Statement from Archbishop Coakley, chairman of the US Bishops’ Committee on Domestic Justice and Human Development.

If you wish to read more on the Foundational Documents undergirding Catholic Social Teaching go HERE on the USCCB website.
From Pope Francis

Work is a necessity, part of the meaning of life on this earth, a path to growth, human development and personal fulfillment. Helping the poor financially must always be a provisional solution in the face of pressing needs. The broader objective should always be to allow them a dignified life through work.
(Pope Francis, On Care for Our Common Home [Laudato Si'], nos. 127-28)

Growth in justice requires more than economic growth, while presupposing such growth: it requires decisions, programs, mechanisms and processes specifically geared to a better distribution of income, the creation of sources of employment and an integral promotion of the poor which goes beyond a simple welfare mentality. I am far from proposing an irresponsible populism, but the economy can no longer turn to remedies that are a new poison, such as attempting to increase profits by reducing the work force and thereby adding to the ranks of the excluded."
(Pope Francis, The Joy of the Gospel [Evangelii Gaudium], no. 204)
Additional Resources

The Economic Policy Institute is a nonpartisan think tank created in 1986 to include the needs of low and middle-income workers in economic policy discussions. It believes every working person deserves a good job with fair pay, affordable health care, and retirement security.
(We drew on EPI statistics in the reflection questions above.) www.epi.org

Intercommunity Peace and Justice Center’s Northwest Coalition For Responsible Investment (NWCRI) Magnifies the social impact of your investments by dialoguing with management, sponsoring shareholder resolutions and promoting enterprises with a commitment to social justice.

For resources monitoring policies that protect consumers, workers, and the environment see:
One OLL!

Do you have a thought about or experience related to this month's theme of Catholic Social Teaching: Dignity of Work and the Rights of Workers? If so, please send us a quick email note or reflection. The Justice & Peace Committee would like to share in upcoming emails how members of our One OLL community are living these themes each and every day. Let us know if you prefer we use your name or 'anonymous' in the future acknowledgment.

All ages encouraged to participate!

Parishioners email to parishadmin@ollseattle.org.
OLL School families email to Principal Mullen at dmullen@ollseattle.org.
Offered by OLL Justice & Peace Committee