Dignity of Work and the Rights of Workers

Traditionally, workers have the strong support of the Church in forming and joining unions and worker associations of their choosing in the exercise of their dignity and rights.

In a marketplace where too often the quarterly bottom line takes precedence over the rights of workers, we must believe that 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. Work is a way of fulfilling part of our human potential given to us by God.

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 organize and join unions, to ownership and private property, and to economic initiative. Respecting these rights promotes an economy that protects human life, defends human rights, and advances the well-being of all.