517. What are the duties of workers?

517. What are the duties of workers?   

(Comp 517) They must carry out their work in a conscientious way with competence and dedication, seeking to resolve any controversies with dialogue. Recourse to a non-violent strike is morally legitimate when it appears to be the necessary way to obtain a proportionate benefit and it takes into account the common good.

“In brief”

(CCC 2460) The primordial value of labor stems from man himself, its author and beneficiary. By means of his labor man participates in the work of creation. Work united to Christ can be redemptive.    

To deepen and explain

(CCC 2428) In work, the person exercises and fulfills in part the potential inscribed in his nature. The primordial value of labor stems from man himself, its author and its beneficiary. Work is for man, not man for work (Cf. LE 6). Everyone should be able to draw from work the means of providing for his life and that of his family, and of serving the human community.

Reflection

(CCC 2430) Economic life brings into play different interests, often opposed to one another. This explains why the conflicts that characterize it arise (Cf. LE 11). Efforts should be made to reduce these conflicts by negotiation that respects the rights and duties of each social partner: those responsible for business enterprises, representatives of wage-earners (for example, trade unions), and public authorities when appropriate. 

(Next question: How is justice and solidarity among nations brought about?)