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.

Prayer for Migrant Domestic Worker

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.
Fact Sheet & Handout

Work as Key to the Social Question

In mid September 2001, The Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace held a conference on the theme of "Work as Key to the Social Question: The Great Social and Economic Transformations and the...
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Reflection

Rerum Novarum, The Condition of Labor

This resource looks at Rerum Novarum (The Condition of Labor), an encyclical of Pope Leo XIII. Included is an overview of the document, historical notes, an outline of the document and discussion...
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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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The Way of the Cross of a Migrant

Stations of the Cross.
Fact Sheet & Handout

Dignity of the Worker

This unit on the dignity of the worker features the following materials: fact sheets, scripture passages related to human dignity and questions for reflection and discussion.
Fact Sheet & Handout

Workers' Rights (Text-Only Version)

This unit on workers' rights contains the following materials: prayers and reflections, fact sheets, and "The Faces Behind the Products."
Unit

Workers' Rights

This unit on workers' rights contains the following materials: prayers and reflections, fact sheets, and "The Faces Behind the Products." Because this unit contains several photographs,...
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