2010 Labor Day Statement – A New “Social Contract”

The United States Catholic Conference 2010 Labor Day Statement “A New “Social Contract” for Today’s “New Things” echos the title of Leo the XIII’s “Rerum Novarum” (Of New Things”).

It calls for Americans “to protect the life and dignity of each worker in a renewed and robust economy”. As a Vincentian footnote some might be surprised to know that it was a member of the Vincent de Paul Society who advised Leo the XIII on this first of the great Social Encyclicals and that Ozanam anticipated, and actually prepared the ground for, the recognition of the social issues in calling for a living wage.

The text is available on the US Catholic Conference website in English and Spanish.

For a sampling of “pulpit statements” from other traditions visit the link Labor Day and Worker Justice.
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