The Dignity of Work and the Rights of Workers

Work is not punishment or a necessary evil, nor is it humanity's means of accumulating control, power and wealth. Both of these ideas are contrary to the biblical view of work. We understand work as something intrinsically good, we are co-creators of God's world and work is part of our contribution.

Work must be undertaken responsibly and labour treated well, this includes how we approach the work we do, what it is we do with our work and how employers treat their employees. The Church teaches that the economy must provide opportunities for work and fair wages for every individual, who is willing and able to work. According to the United States Catholic Conference of Bishops (USCCB), “Work is more than a way to make a living; it is a form of continuing participation in God’s creation. If the dignity of work is to be protected, then the basic rights of workers must be respected—the right to productive work, to decent and fair wages, to the organization and joining of unions, to private property, and to economic initiative.”

All too often though, in our society, the poor and vulnerable are left without opportunities for adequate employment. As Catholics, we must fight to create fair opportunities for all, because our faith tells us "the beginning, the subject and the goal of all social institutions is and must be the human person. All people have the right to work, to a chance to develop their qualities and their personalities in the exercise of their professions, to equitable remuneration which will enable them and their families "to lead a worthy life on the
material, social, cultural and spiritual level and to assistance in case of need arising from sickness or age.” (Blessed Paul VI, A Call to Action [Octogesima Adveniens. . . ], no. 14)

Some saints, who have worked tirelessly to fight for the dignity and rights of workers include:

  • St. Benedict of Nursia, who created the Rule of Benedict, which is a guideline for working and living together in community, supporting each other in alignment with God’s will.
  • Servant of God Dorothy Day, who was a writer and activist who founded the Catholic Worker Movement, which still helps achieve justice for workers around the world.

Let us celebrate Labor Day, thanking God for our individual gifts and talents that allow us to use them for the greater good and not just for our own prosperity. In thanksgiving, let us give back first to God for all of His gifts.