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Work and Justice for All
Bishop Gabino Zavala strongly endorsed the right of workers to organize in an address in Chicago to the Interfaith Workers National Conference. The auxiliary bishop from Los Angeles said that over the past century “unions have been an important force in insuring that workers be treated with dignity that is their due.” The bishop examined unions in the light of four basic principles of Catholic Social teaching that have been repeatedly pointed out by the bishops. They deserve mention here.
First, human beings are created in the image and likeness of God and redeemed by Christ.
Second, we have been created in communion with God and our brothers and sisters in the Body of Christ and as such are called to work for the common good.
Third, we are called to serve those in greatest need.
Fourth, we are called to preach and spread the kingdom of God.
In light of these four basic principles, the Catholic bishops have identified seven key themes that spread their teaching about creating a just society and living lives of holiness and integrity. These themes lead the bishops to reflect on the right to organize.
Because of the basic dignity of the human person, workers are not and cannot be viewed solely as a means of production. People are not raw materials to be used for the sake of profit. Workers bring their own talents to their work and in return work should provide them not only with the material things that allow them to live with dignity but also should provide them with satisfaction and fulfillment.
Unions grew out of the struggle for social justice not class struggle. Over the past century, unions have been an important force in ensuring that workers are treated with dignity. Their efforts have helped provide just wages, eliminate child labor, prevent harassment and provide security despite changing economics.
Unions help promote the common good. They should strive to help workers recognize their full humanity through proper job training.
The second theme is the call to family, community and participation. At their best, unions are the embodiment of this principle. Labor organizations have helped promote policies that help families, including family leave and limitations on the work week. In many places, labor organizations support families with particular needs, such as a sick child.
In addition, unions are a way that workers can join together to participate in the larger social order. By joining together, workers magnify their voices and are able to have a greater impact in the political process and society as a whole.
The third theme is rights and responsibilities. This reminds us that rights always bring responsibilities. Unions must strive to educate their members on social responsibilities.
The fourth theme for unions is the option for the poor and vulnerable. Unions also should take the lead in opposing any exploitation of minorities.
The fifth theme is the dignity and rights of workers. This is the clearest in its relationship to organized labor. The main reason for workers to organize is to protect their rights.
The sixth theme is solidarity. We belong to one human family - a family that knows no boundaries of race, color, class or country. The right to organize does not include the right to ignore the rights of people who look different from ourselves. We live in a world of a globalized economy that has become increasingly interdependent. This structure presents new moral and economic dangers. Solidarity demands that our brothers and sisters are never the enemy. Labor organizations must work to secure the rights of members but never at the expense of others.
The seventh theme is care for God’s creation. God has given us the goods of creation; unions must promote policies that will protect our environment. Our resources are not without limit.
The challenges before us are great, but so is our strength if we stand as one and work together.
The Church’s social teaching grew out of a time when the needs of workers were more apparent. In a sense, the teaching is a victim of its own success. So much of the teaching is taken for granted that one could wonder why we would review these principles.
In every age, different sociological factors come into play. The Church teaches us to be ever vigilant in our pursuit of justice. We owe a debt of gratitude to the Holy Fathers of the 20th century for keeping workers’ rights in the forefront of the world’s attention. We owe it to ourselves and all men and women to constantly keep this teaching in front of us and allow it to guide our business practices.
As we enjoyed the recent anniversary of the birth of our country, we pledge ourselves to protecting the hard-won freedoms that we cherish. These are freedoms that have been won through hard work and protected with vigilance and determination.
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