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.

The Philippines: Children and Sex Trafficking

This is one of six case studies that focuses on justice issues that impact children around the world. This case study focuses on children and sex trafficking in the Philippines. It can be used during...
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Computer Workers Game

This Computer Workers Game, which focuses on the rights of workers in the computer industry, was reproduced from the Catholic Agency for Overseas Development (CAFOD)'s Fairground magazine.

A Scriptural Reflection on Migrants: Solidarity, Hope, and Hospitality

Prejudice against migrants and concern for their welfare is a major concern for the Church. Use this resource to take a closer look at how our faith calls us to respond with compassion, solidarity,...
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Slavery Facts and Prayer

This one page resource includes facts on contemporary slavery and a prayer for those in slavery.

Wake Up and Smell the Coffee

As part of our Food for Thought series, we offer a fact sheet on coffee and how you can, in your coffee choices, promote social justice instead of exploitation and poverty.

Workers' Right to a Living Wage

This unit on Workers' Right to a Living Wage includes fact sheets, case studies, connections to Catholic social teaching, prayers, and ideas for action.  

Prayer for Migrant Domestic Worker

Migrant Domestic Workers

Large numbers of women from Asia and Latin America are working to care for the children and clean the houses of a new generation of young, upper-income professionals in North American and Europe....
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Corporate Accountability: Wal-Mart

This resource looks at the unjust and illegal actions taken by Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. Topics covered in this unit include corporate accountability, worker's rights, human rights and socially...
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Migrant Children in the United States

This resource includes two case studies of children of migrant workers, a fact sheet on the United Nations' Convention on the Rights of the Child, and discussion questions.

Work as Key to the Social Question

This resource features quotations taken from several major Catholic Social Teaching documents that treat the topic of work. Discussion questions are included.
Reflection

Laborem Exercens, On Human Work

This resource looks at Laborem Exercens, On Human Work, an encyclical of Pope John Paul II. Included is an overview of the document, historical notes, an outline of the document and discussion...
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