Placing Work and Workers at the Center of Economic Life

is the theme of the 2012 Labor Day Statement, written by Bishop Stephen E. Blaire of Stockton, Chairman of the Committee on Domestic Justice and Human Development for the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops.

The dignity of workers and of work itself is an important principle of Catholic Social Justice teaching and is especially relevant as we seek solutions to the economic problems facing us today.
Here are some excerpts from Bishop Blaire’s letter:
In the current political campaigns, we hear much about the economy, but almost nothing about the moral imperative to overcome pervasive poverty in a nation still blessed with substantial economic resources and power.
…many employees struggle for just wages, a safe workplace, and a voice in the economy, but they cannot purchase the goods they make, stay in the hotels they clean, or eat the food they harvest, prepare, or serve.
We are called to work together – business, labor, and government – to build a productive economy that offers opportunity, creates jobs, generates growth, protects the dignity of working people, respect the family, and promotes genuine human development.
We need to hear from those who seek to lead this country what specific steps they would take to lift people out of poverty.

May God guide our nation in creating a more just economy that truly honors the dignity of work and the rights of workers.

The complete statement is posted at  http://www.usccb.org