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Pope Benedict XVI Reaffirms Church's Support for Workers' Rights

July 10, 2009

In a new papal encyclical released this month, Pope Benedict XVI discusses new challenges faced by working families in today's global economy and reiterates the fundamental value of workers' rights.

The repeated calls issued within the Church's social doctrine … for the promotion of workers' associations that can defend their rights must therefore be honored today even more than in the past," said the Pope.

The encyclical, a letter from the pope stating his positions on important issues to Catholics and non-Catholics alike, notes that workers around the world face increasing obstacles to organizing due to political barriers in their way.

In the United States, a variety of Catholic organizations have added to their voices to those supporting the right of workers to organize. Groups, including the Catholic Labor Network and Catholics for Working Families, have endorsed the Employee Free Choice Act, which will remove barriers to union organizing and negotiations.

"In light of the pope's reaffirmation of the importance of labor unions, we ask our fellow Catholics, especially those in the business community, to join us now in calling for the passage of the Employee Free Choice Act," said Joseph Fahey, chair of Catholic Scholars for Worker Justice.

"The Holy Father's encyclical is an important reminder that upholding the right of workers to organize is vital to society’s well-being and dignity for all," said International President Edwin D. Hill.

Photo used under a Creative Commons license from Flickr user RTSS.