(CSDC 255-322)
The next sphere of human life in which the nature, principles and values of humankind are reflected upon is that of work. Before examining the subjective and objective dimensions of work, the compendium begins with as examination of work in the Bible and the encyclical traditions beginning with Rerum Novarum. The biblical tradition begins with the account in Genesis especially the idea that man and women were created to “cultivate and care” for the goods created by God (Gen 2:15). Work was part of man’s original state preceding the fall and was not curse of punishment. Work is essential, honorable and useful but not the source of life’s ultimate meaning which is found in God alone. The commandment of the Sabbath is the apex of the biblical teaching on work—teaching a way to fuller freedom remembering anew God’s work. The example of Jesus as a worker is also cited, as well as his description of his mission as the work of my Father. Jesus reaffirms the original meaning of the Sabbath as a day dedicated to God and the service of others. “Work represents a fundamental dimension of human existence as participation not only in the act of creation but also in that of redemption” (CSDC 263). Although work is a duty, it can even be considered a means of sanctification (CSDC 263). The problem brought about by the exploitation of workers in the industrial revolution prompted the Church to respond in Rerum Novarum in defense of the inalienable dignity of the workers. The Church continued to reflect on this question and in John Paul II’s Laborum Exercens work is called the “essential key” to the whole social question as a necessary condition “not only for economic development but also for the cultural and moral development of persons, family, society and the entire human race” (CSDC 269). Next the compendium discusses the dignity of work. There is a two fold significance to work. In an objective sense it is “. . . the sum of activities, resources, instruments and technologies used by men and women to produce things” (CSDC 270). There is also a subjective sense to work. Men and women are subjective or dynamic beings performing a variety of actions which correspond to their personal vocation. Work in the subjective sense depends on our dignity as human beings rather than on what we as people produce or what activity we undertake. This affords work a special dignity apart from being considered as a simple commodity. The subjective sense of work must take precedence over the objective (CSDC 271). “Human work not only proceeds from the person, but it is also essentially ordered to and has its final goal in the human person” (CSDC 272). There is an intrinsic social dimension to work. Work is also a obligation or duty. On the relationship between labor and capital the Church’s insists that labor has intrinsic priority over capital, and that the two must exist in a complimentary relationship which affirms the integral development of the human person through work and is not exploitive of workers. A favored expression of this positive relationship is one in which workers participate in ownership, management and profits. On the issue of private property, the compendium reminds the reader that this right is subordinated to the principle of the universal destination of goods. Property must be placed at the service of work , and “oriented to an economy of service to mankind” (CSDC 283). Rest from work is a right and public authorities must ensure that citizens are not denied this time for rest and divine worship. Work is necessary and fundamental right and good. Full employment is a mandatory objective for an economic system oriented to justice and the common good (CSDC 289). The state and civil society have a role in promoting work. Work is a foundation for the formation of a family. Women’s right to work is affirmed and these rights should take into account the dignity and vocation of women. Child labor is intolerable and constitutes a form of violence though the compendium acknowledges that in some cultures certain forms of part-time work can prove beneficial. Immigration can be a resource for development but care must be taken to avoid exploitation. Special attention must be paid to the problems of agricultural labor and the needs of rural community. In some cases redistribution of land may be necessary to proceed with genuine economic development. A number of fundamental rights for workers are affirmed. The right to fair remuneration for work, including a just wage, and the consideration of the manner of production and level of equity in distribution of income are important measures of a countries economic well-being. As a last resort the legitimate right of peaceful striking is recognized. The fundamental role of labor unions is recognized in the pursuit of the common good. Unions are promoters of the struggle for social justice including the duty to act as worker representatives and to exercise influence in the political area in area of labor problems (CSDC 306). The compendium acknowledges that globalization is neither good nor bad, but the need for safeguards with respect to essential rights and equity is necessary. Many changes are occurring to the nature of work which requires reflection. This reflection should be centered on the nature of the human person and on the subjective dimension of work and should seek continued support for the human rights of workers and new forms of solidarity especially in pursuit of authentic global development.
© Office of Human Rights, and Bishop Helmsing Institute, Diocese of Kansas City~St. Joseph, 2009
