Human work originates from persons made in the image and likeness of God, and thus called to continue God’s creative work. To work is a duty, and it honors God’s gifts and the talents we receive from him. Work can be redemptive. By work, an individual fulfills in part, his human nature.
Work begins with the human person and the human person is its beneficiary. In other words, work is for man, not man for work.
Everyone has the right of economic initiative that will benefit all and has the right to harvest the fruits of his labor, including a just wage. Everyone has the right to access to employment.
The government/state has the task to guarantee individual freedom and the right to private property, as well as a stable currency and efficient public services. It has the responsibility to oversee the exercise of human rights in the economy.
Recourse to a strike is morally legitimate when it cannot be avoided. It becomes morally unacceptable when it resorts to violence to achieve its ends.
Unemployment almost always wounds its victims, as well as his or her family.
As you can see, the Church’s teachings on human labor begins and ends with her understanding and respect for the human person.
