Laborem Exercens(On Human Work)

Author: Pope John IIDate: September 14, 1981

Summary1. John Paul II wrote the Encyclical “Laborem

Exercens” on Sept. 14, 1981 which traces its origin to Pope Leo XIII’s Rerum Novarum, where he develops the concept of man’s dignity in work in four chapters:

a. Work and Manb. Conflict Between Labor and Capital in the

Present Phase of Historyc. Rights of Workersd. Elements for a Spirituality of Work

2. Work is a fundamental dimension of man’s existence on earth, for it was given on the moment of creation and it can be found on the first page of Genesis; to be fruitful, multiply, fill the earth and subdue it.

3. John Paul recognized technology as a great benefit, provided it is regarded as a tool that facilitates work and not as a master that controls humans.

4. John Paul set forth the following basic priorities as a framework for discussing issues of labor, capital, and property ownership: labor takes precedence over capital and people are more important than things.

5. For contrast, he named two ideas he considered to be errors: materialism and economism, but recommends instead a philosophy of personalism.

6. The Pope also says that suitable employment for all is needed and indirect employers need to act against unemployment through a system of planning and coordination.

7. John Paul proposed a family wage, i.e. enough to support the worker and his family, as a minimum, for women with children have a right either to stay home or to work outside the home, benefits including health insurance, pensions, accident insurance, weekends and vacations as part of a "correct relationship between worker and employer."

8. The Pope asserted the dignity of agricultural workers, and some particular difficulties and injustices they face including greater isolation; hard physical toil; inadequate wages, benefits, and training; and oppression of those who actually cultivate the soil by wealthy landowners.

9. John Paul also raised rights to work of persons with disabilities saying that they are one of us and participates fully in the same humanity we possess and of immigrant workers to have their countries provide laws for them to be able to receive equal treatment.

10. Laborem Exercens ends with a section correlating work and Christian spirituality wherein human work and rest are a sharing in the activity of God, our Creator, work follows Jesus’ footsteps as a carpenter, and that enduring toil of work in union with Christ crucified for us means also man collaborating with the Son of God for the redemption of humanity.