"Work is fundamental to the dignity of a person. Work, to use an image, 'anoints' us with dignity, fills us with dignity, makes us similar to God, who has worked and still works, who always acts..."
- Pope Francis, Feast of St. Joseph the Worker and World Labor Day, 5/1/13
The Catholic bishops of the United States have long held that the most effective way to build a just economy is to make decent work at decent wages available for all those capable of working. When the economy fails to generate sufficient jobs, there is a moral obligation to protect the life and dignity of unemployed and underemployed workers and their families.
For more information, see the resources in the Primers, Backgrounders, and Educational Materials section.
Letter to Senate Committee on Education, Labor, and Pensions and to House of Representatives Committee on Education and Labor on Relief During Coronavirus Pandemic
Bishop Michael C. Barber, Archbishop Paul S. Coakley and Bishop Mario E. Dorsonville
April 9, 2020
News Release: Chairman of U.S. Bishops' Committee on Domestic Justice and Human Development Encourages Lawmakers in Providing Aid and Relief to Those Affected by Coronavirus
Archbishop Paul S. Coakley, March 12, 2020
For information from 2015 and earlier, see our labor archives.
|
Archbishop Paul S. Coakley, September 7, 2020
2019 Labor Day Statement | En Español
Bishop Frank J. Dewane September 2, 2019
2018 Labor Day Statement | En Español
Bishop Frank J. Dewane September 3, 2018
2017 Labor Day Statement | En Español
Bishop Frank J. Dewane
September 4, 2017
2016 Labor Day Statement | En Español
Archbishop Thomas G. Wenski
September 5, 2016
For a complete list of Labor Day statements, see our Labor Day archives.
Pastoral Reflection Guide Now Available for Labor Day Weekend | en Español
The resource contains homily notes, Prayers of the Faithful, social media announcements, and more.
Backgrounder on Paid Family Leave
February 2019
Background on Protecting Workers and Promoting the Dignity of Work
January 2015
Background on Just Wage and the Federal Minimum Wage
January 2014
Background on Worsening Economic Inequality
January 2014
Background on Protecting the Rights of Workers in a Globalized Economy
February 2013
Primer on Labor in Catholic Social Thought
2011
Background on Paid Sick Leave
April 2006
"I address a strong appeal from my heart that the dignity and safety of the worker always be protected."
- Pope Francis, Regina Caeli, 4/28/13
