The Dignity of Work and the Rights of Workers

This week, we will look at the Catholic Social Teaching of The Dignity of Work and the Rights of Workers.
 
“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.” ~U.S. Catholic Conference of Bishops
 
We were created by God to work because we are created in the image and likeness of a God who works. This means that work is as much a basic human need as food, friendship, beauty, and love. We don’t just need the money from work to survive. We need the work itself to thrive as human beings. Without meaningful work, we experience significant inner loss and emptiness.
 
Dignity of work is the philosophy that all jobs are equal, and no occupation is considered superior. Whether a job requires physical labor or intellectual labor, every job carries dignity. A person’s dignity and honor are not derived from accomplishments or achievements, but rather by the transformation that occurs by doing a job well and with great care. This transformation is more important than any object or idea produced. ~Laborem Exercens
 
How can we, as Catholic Christians, help support the dignity and rights of workers? We can advocate for legislation which supports the rights of workers, collective bargaining, unions, and affordable healthcare options for everyone. If we are in a position of employing people, we can take our employees basic needs into consideration and offer fair wages, opportunities for growth and health benefits to the best of our abilities.
 
At St. Hubert, the Job and Networking ministry has been preparing those faced with the challenges of a new job search, helping to shorten the time of unemployment, underemployment, or alternative-employment connection by providing methods for overcoming the barriers inherent in the job market.
 
If you would like to join this ministry or are in need of its many services, please visit the St. Hubert website for more information.
 
A Prayer for Workers
O glorious Joseph! Who concealed your incomparable and regal dignity of custodian of Jesus and of the Virgin Mary under the humble appearance of a craftsman and provided for them with your work, protect with loving power your sons and daughters, especially those entrusted to you. You know their anxieties and sufferings, because you yourself experienced them at the side of Jesus and of His Mother. Do not allow them, oppressed by so many worries, to forget the purpose for which they were created by God. Do not allow the seeds of distrust to take hold of their immortal souls. Remind all the workers that in the fields, in factories, in mines, offices and in scientific laboratories, they are not working, rejoicing, or suffering alone, but at their side is Jesus, with Mary, His Mother and ours, to sustain them, to dry the sweat of their brow, giving value to their toil. Teach them to turn work into a very high instrument of sanctification as you did. Amen.

       The Job and Networking Ministry Team