514. To what type of work does every person have a right?

514. To what type of work does every person have a right?   

(Comp 514) Access to secure and honest employment must be open to all without unjust discrimination and with respect for free economic initiative and fair compensation.

“In brief”

(CCC 2429) Everyone has the right of economic initiative; everyone should make legitimate use of his talents to contribute to the abundance that will benefit all and to harvest the just fruits of his labor. He should seek to observe regulations issued by legitimate authority for the sake of the common good (Cf. CA 32; 34).   

To deepen and explain

(CCC 2433) Access to employment and to professions must be open to all without unjust discrimination: men and women, healthy and disabled, natives and immigrants (Cf. LE 19; 22-23). For its part society should, according to circumstances, help citizens find work and employment  (Cf. CA 48).  

Reflection

(CCC 2434) A just wage is the legitimate fruit of work. To refuse or withhold it can be a grave injustice (Cf. Lev 19:13; Deut 24:14-15; Jas 5:4). In determining fair pay both the needs and the contributions of each person must be taken into account. "Remuneration for work should guarantee man the opportunity to provide a dignified livelihood for himself and his family on the material, social, cultural and spiritual level, taking into account the role and the productivity of each, the state of the business, and the common good" (GS 67 § 2). Agreement between the parties is not sufficient to justify morally the amount to be received in wages.

(Next question: What responsibility does the State have in regard to labor?)