Christian Vision of the Church in Society: Who is the Other before me?

Rights of Workers and Dignity of Work (Part 1.b1)

You shall not abuse a needy and destitute laborer, whether a fellow countryman or a stranger in one of the
communities of your land. You must pay him his wages on the same day, before the sun sets, for he is needy and
urgently depends on it; else he will cry to the LORD against you and you will incur guilt. (Deuteronomy 24.14-15)

‘. . . But the landowner replied to one of them, “Friend, I am doing you no wrong; did you not agree with me for the
usual daily wage? Take what belongs to you and go.”’ (Matthew 20.1-14)

All people have the right to economic initiative, to productive work, to just wages and benefits, to decent working
conditions, as well as to organize and join unions or other associations. (United States Conference of Catholic
Bishops, A Catholic Framework for Economic Life, no. 5)

All these rights, together with the need for the workers themselves to secure them, give rise to yet another right: the
right of association, that is to form associations for the purpose of defending the vital interests of those employed in
the various professions. These associations are called labor or trade unions. (St. John Paul II, On Human Work,
Laborem Exercens, no. 20)

Work should be the setting for this rich personal growth, where many aspects of life enter into play: creativity,
planning for the future, developing our talents, living out our values, relating to others, giving glory to God. It follows
that, in the reality of today's global society, it is essential that "we continue to prioritize the goal of access to steady
employment for everyone," no matter the limited interests of business and dubious economic reasoning. We were
created with a vocation to work. The goal should not be that technological progress increasingly replace human work,
for this would be detrimental to humanity. Work is a necessity, part of the meaning of life on this earth, a path to
growth, human development and personal fulfillment. Helping the poor financially must always be a provisional
solution in the face of pressing needs. The broader objective should always be to allow them a dignified life through
work. (Pope Francis, On Care for Our Common Home, Laudato Si, nos. 127-28)

As an introduction, watch the video about the dignity of work and right of workers.

The pandemic has caused millions of people to be jobless. As of this writing, there are more than 50
million Americans who filled for unemployment because of the closure of businesses. This is also a
reality all over the world, and surely the Philippines was not spared either. There is the domino effect
when businesses or any establishment closes, small or large. However, the small and medium scale
businesses are the ones that felt the hardest hit during this pandemic and this did not spare their
workers, who are mostly daily wage earners. Perhaps we can say that in the Philippines our jeepney
drivers and vendors in the metro are the ones who feel the most financial pain. The government
provided stimulus funds to the poorest of the poor, yet this is not enough (not all benefited); in fact
there are allegations of corruption in the selection and distribution of the said Bayanihan Act funds.
Perhaps, we might ask, but are the workers not protected by law? Don't they have the rights to be
retained? Yes, this is correct for those who enjoy permanent-regular and tenure status in the company.
But today, many of the companies only hire on a contractual basis that lasts only for less than six (6)
months and most of them are daily wage earners. In addition, businesses have the right to downsize
their personnel just to save the business. The unfortunate reality in our globalized economy is that,
profit comes first, while people are the least prioritised. Why? Because people count as an expense
rather that a partner or contributor in the growth of a business and the economy of a nation. This is
where the social teachings of the Church ceaselessly insist the importance of the rights and dignity of
people in their work. The social principle reiterates that people are not disposable, workers are not a
“thing” or an “equipment” where value tend to diminish and can be discard when it is not functioning or
producing as much. It is a sad reality that businessmen and owners of large businesses seem to
discretely internalize in their corporate system the throw-away culture not on things but on people. 1
Further, the high rate of unemployment was also due to the fact that many companies refuse to
have worker’s union that will safeguard the employees’ rights. Some of the reasons why companies
refuse to do so is that, they do not want to be tangled with legal labour suits due to their unjust labour
practices. Second, the company and the union must discuss (a long, but pressured time frame) about
bargaining. It is a balance between corporate survival and worker’s needs. Third, upon signing of the
collective bargaining agreement, there is a financial share that the company must provide for workers.
To have union is tedious for company owners, yet a protection for the workers. This is the reason that
the Church uphold the call for unionisation in the work places. Because the process is tedious, some
companies (such as where I used to be employed) do not have a union, rather, there is a “gentleman’s
agreement” between workers and the main owner, that is, the owner will give what the workers want
(as long as it can be granted) provided that workers will not initiate any establishment of union. True,
but sad to say, there are christian and Catholic establishments that do not adhere to this call; though
fortunately, the only university or catholic institution (thus far to my personal knowledge) that has a
union, both in the academic and non-academic level is UST.2
In a global level, one of the latest companies that is in the limelight of workers’ abuse, because it
does not seek the welfare of its employees is Amazon. Recently, many of its workers complain for the
companies lack of concern for workers who are sick. They are forced to come to work because of lack of
sick day pay leave, which must be part of worker’s rights. Locally, it would be good to hear an extensive
discussion about labor issues from Ka Leody de Guzman, who has been a Labor activist. In his latest
interview, he presented his views and areas in our legislature than need to be radically reformed. It
matters that we be informed about the plight of the economically most vulnerable in our country.
Indeed, you might ask, what is your connection with this issue of workers when you are still a
student? Well, you belong to the population of consumers who can make a difference in the lives of the
workers. In what way do you indirectly affect their lives?
In the past years, there have been investigative reports that reveal the sources of
their chocolate that are mainly from Africa, where workers are children or minors,
hence this is illegal. Though they signed an agreement and have certificates that they
will reduce their reliance on child labour cacao, this remains to be doubtful. Hence, as
a consumer, you (we) must be aware what kind of product do you patronise for it
matters that companies promote the growth of their farmers/workers.3 An ethical step
before buying a product is to check the label if this is a fair trade product or investigate if they are not

1 Compare the arguments of Ramon Ang (of SMC) and Joey Concepcion (of RFM Corp).
2 Though can be considered a leverage for its personnel, there is much that the employees need and must fight for. There is
also the possibility of a corrupt union and their officials.
3 Personally, I buy Malagos Chocolate for my consumption and as a gift to friends (especially to foreigners). I particularly buy

their 85% Chocolate because true to their commitment, it does way much better than imported chocolates.
engaged in unjust labour practices. Given the desire of people for speed and high quality of cellphones,
we must also be aware on the treatment of some tech-giants, such as Apple and Samsung towards their
labourers and their work policies/benefits for employees. Here is a link that gives a rate on some
companies in relation to their labour practices, yet continue to deny of any engagement with it. Another
expose here is the cosmetic industry, where well-known brands’ raw sources are from illegal mining of
minerals, specifically in India, where there is an allegation of government agencies’ involvement to such
illegal practices. For a better grasp of this issue, watch the Al Jazeera 101 East documentary, “Behind the
Glitter.”
It is my hope by now that upon reaching this part that you have a better grasp of the importance
and relevance of the Catholic social principle on the dignity of workers and the dignity of work to your
life as well as to the well-being of the society. There are many other examples of exploitation against
workers all over the world, even in our country. I encourage you to open your minds and have the
initiative to look into their work and production ethics. Be mindful of the products that you purchase,
and if the product is engaged with labour issues, it is not enough that you refrain from buying it but let
these companies know that some consumers are socially conscious with what they purchase by calling
their attention about the matter. You can use the social media platform, such as posting to the
company’s Facebook or Twitter accounts, or make others be aware of such illegal involvement of the
company within your own circle.

Plight of jeepney drivers in the PH.

At this point, here are some questions that will help you further reflect this social principle:

1. What could be the connection of this social principle with the previous one, Life and Human
Dignity?
2. Watch the CBSN Original documentary, Surviving an Unliveable Wage. What is the similarities
does PH worker condition have with them? What could be the reason for such unjust labor
 system or structure in our society? (It is not just a one size-one fit answer, this could be a chain
of reasons)
3. Kindly give your insight on the action taken by Mayor Vico Sotto about the 20 year contractual
employees of Pasig City Mayor’s Office. In what way does his action in line with the Catholic
social principle explained above as well as on human dignity (though Vico belongs to a different
Christian denomination)?
4. Reflect for a while and look back how have you treated “blue collar” workers that you have
encountered. What action can you do to ensure that they are valued?
5. One of the most undervalued work is farming and fishing. Do some research on their plight on
matters of crop insurance, food on the table, per annum income and so on.This will give you a
better appreciation on the hard work they dedicate to bring food to our table. For a start, here
are documentaries that exposes the life of fisherfolk and farmers:
• Isang Banyerang Isda
• Struggling Fisherfolk in PH
• Gintong Butil
• PH Farming and Agri (dying breed)