Friday, September 4, 2015

What is Labor Day?

Labor Day 2015 Statement and Resources
In this year's Labor Day statement, Archbishop Thomas Wenski, chairman of the USCCB Committee on Domestic Justice and Human Development, focuses on creating sufficient, decent work that honors the dignity of families.

"We must not resign ourselves to a 'new normal' with an economy that does not provide stable work at a living wage for too many men and women," Archbishop Wenski said. "We are in need of a profound conversion of heart at all levels of our lives." Archbishop Wenski challenged Catholics to "recommit ourselves to our brothers and sisters around the world in the human family, and build systems and structures that nurture family formation and stability in our own homes and neighborhoods."

Archbishop Wenski noted that even though work is meant for the sake of family, "Wage stagnation has increased pressures on families, as the costs of food, housing, transportation, and education continue to pile up." He added that "the violation of human dignity is evident in exploited workers, trafficked women and children, and a broken immigration system that fails people and families desperate for decent work and a better life."

Archbishop Wenski said that, in Laudato Si', Pope Francis challenges people to see the connections between human labor, care for creation, and honoring the dignity of the "universal family, a sublime communion which fills us with a sacred, affectionate and humble respect."
The full text of the 2015 Labor Day statement is available online. English | Spanish

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