Labor Day
posted on: Tuesday, August 30, 2011 by: renaebauer
By Sister Sally Ann Brickner
Often seen as the end of summer in the northern hemisphere, this
holiday recognizes the dignity of workers and their rights. It was
established as a federal holiday in 1894 and is usually marked by
parades that include labor unions and other organizations committed
to workers' rights.
Work is a good thing for humans -- a good thing for humanity --
because through work humans transform nature and also achieve
fulfillment as human beings. In a sense, they become "more a human
being". For this reason, it is vital that those who are able to
work have opportunities to do so and that we work toward a policy
of full employment. The high rate of unemployment in our country
and in many countries of the world is a grave scandal and violation
of human dignity.
Work is a valued human activity. But it is not to be valued
above the workers who perform the labor in order to provide for
their basic needs, for their families, and for the whole of
society.
The Catholic Church has always upheld the dignity and rights of
those who work. At the present time "there is a need for ever new
movements of solidarity of the workers and with the workers" (Pope
John Paul II, Laborem exercens). In the state of Wisconsin,
in the USA and throughout the world, workers experience
exploitation through unjust wages, inhumane working conditions, and
denial of the right to organize. This, too, is a scandal that calls
for remedy.
We are called to celebrate the dignity of workers and their work
not only on Labor Day but every day. One way is to be aware of the
service that workers provide. Make it a habit to recognize and
affirm them with your smile and an expression of appreciation.