The economy must serve people, not the other way around. Work is more than a way to make a living; it is a form of continuing participation in God’s creation. Employers contribute to the common good through the services or products they provide and by creating jobs that uphold the dignity and rights of workers—to productive work, to decent and just wages, to adequate benefits and security in their old age, to the choice of whether to organize and join unions, to the opportunity for legal status for immigrant workers, to private property, and to economic initiative. Workers also have responsibilities—to provide a fair day’s work for a fair day’s pay, to treat employers and co-workers with respect, and to carry out their work in ways that contribute to the common good. Workers, employers, and unions should not only advance their own interests, but also work together to advance economic justice and the well-being of all. (52)

Major Issues: Living Wages, Social Security, Disparity of wealth, benefits, forced labor

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Go to the websites, videos, podcasts , documents listed here to find out more information

Documents:

USCCB - 2007 Labor Day Statement

USCCB - Letter on Minimum Wage

ENCYCLICAL OF POPE LEO XIII  ON CAPITAL AND LABOR