Catholic Social Teaching on Workers’ Rights

Rights of Workers: Key workers' rights are globally recognized, requiring ongoing discussion.
Historical Background:
- Frances Perkins’ Contribution: As the first woman in a presidential cabinet (1933, New Deal), Perkins advocated for:
  - A forty-hour work week
  - A minimum wage
  - Unemployment compensation
  - Abolition of child labor
  - Universal health insurance

Sit-down Strikes (1937):
- Autoworkers' strikes led to company concessions: fair minimum wage, assembly-line worker protections, a grievance system, and recognition of the United Auto Workers union.
Equal Pay Act (1963):
- Signed by President John F. Kennedy, this act amended the Fair Labor Standards Act to eliminate pay disparity for equal work based on gender.
Civil Rights Act of 1964:
- President Lyndon B. Johnson signed legislation banning workplace discrimination based on:
  - Race
  - Gender
  - Religion
  - Color
  - National origin

Historical Perspective: Workers' rights struggles span centuries, pursuing equality, safety, and fair compensation.
Victories vs. Losses: Past victories shaped current working conditions, highlighting the need for continued advocacy.

Human-Centered Perspective: Catholic social teaching values work based on "the fact that the one who is doing it is a person" ("On Human Work," 6), not solely on monetary or productivity measures.
Purpose of Work: The economy and work serve people, not vice versa. Work must promote human dignity.

Promotion of Human Dignity:
- Work secures essential family needs.
- It reflects divine creation, contributing to the common good.
- Work should support life and foster creativity.
Personal Reflection on Work: Individuals are encouraged to reflect on how past jobs upheld their dignity or that of others, and consider necessary changes.

Rights Essential for Dignified Work: These include the right to:
- Employment
- Decent and fair pay
- A safe workplace
- Elements essential for basic life and health
- Organize and join unions
Freedom and Responsibility: Workers should use their creativity, promoting both survival and flourishing.

Concept of Solidarity: It's a spirit of friendship for a just world, committed to the common good, asserting "we are all really responsible for all" ("On Social Concern," 38).
Universal Brotherhood: Solidarity is rooted in the shared human family, obligating us to support one another as children of God.
Rejection of Competitive Values: Catholic social teaching critiques societal competition, advocating for community and joint responsibility over narrow views of winning and losing.