LABOREM EXERCENSon human work

Pope John Paul II 1981

parts Introduction Work Labor and Capital Rights of Workers Spirituality of Work

intro

duct

ion work any activity of man, whether manual

or intellectual, whatever its nature or circumstances (preface)

work is one of the characteristics that distinguish man from the rest of creatures (preface)

there are fresh questions and issues

issues / factors / advances (#1) introduction of automation higher cost of energy and raw

materials natural resources are limited

pollution new nations / free peoplesint

rodu

ction

role of the Church tradition and Catholic Social Teaching scripture !

human work is a key, probably the essential key, to the whole social question #3int

rodu

ction

Rerum Novarum 1891 Quadragesimo Anno 1931 Mater et Magistra 1961 Pacem in Terris 1963 Gaudium et Spes 1965 Pontifical Commission Justice and Peace Populorum Progressio 1967

work and man biblical mandate

Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth and subdue it

relation to the planet the activity of work is universal and at the

same time it takes place within each human being

finds expression in culture and civilization

agriculture industry service research technologyobjec

tive

sens

e

subj

ectiv

e se

nse

the worker (a person) is the subject of work

human work has an ethical value

The primary basis of the value of work is man himself, who is its subject. !

This leads immediately to a very important conclusion of an ethical nature: however true it may be that man is destined for work and called to it, in the first place work is for man and not man for work.!!

#6

issues values capitalism degradation and exploitation of workers just wage and personal security work transforms the world and the

person, but can also be used to oppress

spheres of values person family

upkeep education - becoming a human being

society relationship to the nation

labor Rerum Novarum labor - a primary efficient cause

labor is the cause of production capital - an instrumental cause

capital is the means of production

capitalOVER

propertythe right to private property is

subordinated to the right to common use, to the fact that goods are meant for everyone #14

!

Church teaching differs from Marxism and Captialism

rights of workers due remuneration to be able to know that in his work he is

working for himself worker rights in the context of human rights

#16

employmentthe person or institution with whom a worker enters directly into a work contract

dire

ct e

mpl

oyer

indire

ct e

mpl

oyer the different

factors, other than the direct employer, that has an influence on the work contract and on labor

employment a right to life issue (#18) !

unemployment (#18) !

actions of the indirect employer (#18)

key considerations The key problem of social ethics in this

case is that of just remuneration for work done. (#19)

a just wage is the concrete means of verifying the justice of the whole socioeconomic system (#19)

a social re-evaluation of the mothers role social benefits

relevant in the past and relevant today

are not for class struggle or for struggles against others

!

They are indeed a mouthpiece for the struggle for social justice, for the just rights of the working people in accordance with their individual professions. (#20)

UNIO

NS

more considerations dignity of agricultural work

fundamentally important disabled people

work should be offered according to their capabilities

immigrant workers should not be exploited or disadvantaged

spirituality of work participation in Gods activity

imitate God in working and resting Christ

serve the Lord and one another in light of the cross and resurrection of Christ

good springs from toil

rolesCH

URCH

STAT

E

call attention to the dignity and rights of workers

condemn situations

to help guide

have ethically correct labor policies (#17)

coordinate and safeguard employment (#18)

collaborate with other societies (#18)