The USCCB has released a Labor Day Statement through its Committee on Domestic Justice and Human Development. The Statement is A New “Social Contract” for Today’s “New Things” is too long to print in the bulletin (click here to download), but the following is a summary and conclusion of the Statement.
The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops offers six criteria to evaluate policies and institutions. They also offer a path forward at a time of economic distress and uncertainty:
- Respect for Human Life and Dignity
- Subsidiarity and Solidarity
- Respect for Marriage and Family Life
- Priority for the Poor and Vulnerable
- Recognition of Cultural Diversity
- Right to Economic Initiative and Productive Work
The Bishops conclude the following:
We find ourselves at a crucial moment in economic life. Millions lack work and there is so much work to do. As Catholics we look to Jesus Christ who teaches us: “Apart from Me you can do nothing,” (John 15:5) but then reassures us with, “I am with you always” (Matthew 28:20).
...This Labor Day we must seek to protect life and dignity of each worker in a renewed and robust economy. Workers need to have a real voice and effective protections in economic life. The market, the State, and Civil society, unions and employers all have roles to play and they must be exercised in creative and fruitful inter-relationships. Private action and public policies that strengthen families and reduce poverty are needed. New jobs with just wages and benefits must be created so that all workers can express their dignity through the dignity of work and are able to fulfill God’s call to us to be co-creators. A new social contract, which begins by honoring work and workers, must be forged that ultimately focuses on the common good of the entire human family.
The Difference—“It is labor indeed that puts the difference on everything.” —John Locke
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