Dignity of Work and Rights of Workers

Demonstrators holding signs demanding the right to vote and equal civil rights at the March on Washington

“The rights of workers, like all other rights, are based on the nature of the human person and on their transcendent dignity.” Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church, #301

All workers have inalienable rights, as the economy should serve the person; the person does not exist to serve the economy.

Discover a rich collection of resources rooted in Catholic Social Teaching, designed to illuminate the dignity of work and the rights of workers. This curated content equips educators, faith leaders, and advocates with tools to inspire action and reflection on justice in the workplace and economic systems.

Catholic Social Teaching Resources on the Dignity of Work and Rights of Workers

  • Prayers and Reflections: Ground your understanding of work and human dignity in spiritual practices and Gospel values.
  • Lesson Plans and Activities: Engaging, ready-to-use materials for teaching about labor rights and the moral implications of economic justice.
  • Multimedia Resources: Videos, articles, and visuals that bring the principles of Catholic Social Teaching to life for diverse audiences.
  • Advocacy Tools: Practical guides for promoting fair wages, safe conditions, and policies that prioritize workers’ rights.

Each resource is crafted to deepen your understanding of the Church’s commitment to justice, solidarity, and the common good. Whether you’re preparing for a classroom discussion, parish presentation, or personal study, these materials offer valuable insights into how the dignity of work is a cornerstone of human flourishing.

Student Guide on Inequality and United States Elections

Reflection
The crisis of inequality creates deep divisions between people and communities despite progress in reducing extreme poverty. Rising wealth inequality, especially impacting women, Indigenous peoples,...

Bulletin Insert: Inequality and United States Elections (Revised)

Bulletin Insert
This bulletin insert offers insights from Catholic Social Teaching on inequality and the elections. It includes recent statistics and reflections from Catholic Social Teaching. Additionally, we...
Cover of the book "Doing Faith Justice" An Introduction to Catholic Social Teach In

Doing Faithjustice Discussion Guide

Book Discussion Guide
In the latest edition of Doing Faithjustice, Fred Kammer S.J., a lawyer, activist, and Jesuit priest, addresses the pressing issue of human poverty and injustice amidst our consumer-driven,...

CST, Human Trafficking and Asian American Women

Fact Sheet & Handout
Catholic Social Teaching offers insights as to how we can advocate for an end to human trafficking and guidance as to why we need to bring an end to it. Knowing the types and examples of trafficking...

Asian American Women and Women’s History

Fact Sheet & Handout
Learn about the history of Asian American women in the United States and put this into the context of the anniversary of the spa shooting in Atlanta, Georgia, in 2021 that killed six Asian American...

Ethical Purchasing and Catholic Social Teaching

Reflection
Read through this Ethical Holiday Purchasing guide to better understand the decisions you make around buying—especially during the holiday season. Begin to consider workers engaged in all phases of...

Engaging the Filipino American Labor Movement through CST

Reflection
Learn more about the Filipino American labor movement and the work of farm workers in California's Central Valley. Use the lens of Catholic Social Teaching and the understanding the rights of workers...

Catholic Social Teaching: Rooted and Renewing

Reflection
The Catholic Social Teaching: Rooted and Renewing reflection invites us to consider how consciously making daily decisions from the perspective of CST, in solidarity with all those who suffer and all...

Education for Justice 2022 Summer Reading List

Fact Sheet & Handout
These recommendations for summer reading are organized by spiritual reading, non-fiction, and fiction. These works are connected to one or more themes of Catholic Social Teaching and highlight...

Alternative Giving for Christmas 2020

Fact Sheet & Handout
This Christmas, foster a culture of peace by supporting the mission of these social justice organizations and fair trade shops.

Migrant Workers' Rights and COVID-19

Reflection
During COVID19, there has been a great deal of talk regarding essential workers. In many ways, the virus has reminded us of those workers we frequently forget or outright ignore. Learn how COVID-19...

Ashes and Smoke: "Set the World on Fire" Without Burning Out

Prayer
We are called to work for justice, but sometimes as ministers we are in danger of becoming burned out. This prayer experience provides a written reflection, song, and guided questions to help you...