Laborem Exercens

Laborem Exercens, or On Human Work, is the very first social encyclical written by Pope
John Paul II on 1981. It presents work as a fundamental dimension of human existence through
which the person achieves fulfillment as a human being. It develops and refines the Church’s
teachings on property and its criticism of capitalism and Marxism. It begins with a Christian
anthropology, humanity as persons made in the divine image. The focus of this encyclical is to
affirm the dignity of workers as human persons. It identifies a potential threat in viewing labor as
simply a means of production. The Pope emphasizes the dignity of labor and notes that through
work, the human person can share in the activity of the Creator. He reminds that labor should be
prioritized over capital—that the worker should be valued more than profit. He affirms the dignity
of work and places work at the center of the social question. The encyclical states that human
beings are the proper subject of work. Holy Father highlights that the human rights that are derived
from work are a part of the fundamental rights of the person. He discusses the need to take action
against unemployment, which is a true social calamity and a problem of a moral as well as an
economic nature. The Pope then considers the importance of unions, which he calls "an
indispensable element of social life." "One method used by unions in pursuing the just rights of
their members is the strike or work stoppage. This method is recognized by Catholic social
teaching as legitimate in the proper conditions and within just limits," but must not be abused.
Pope emphasizes the elements that help give labor the meaning that it has in God's eyes. Thus,
"the knowledge that by means of work man shares in the work of creation constitutes the most
profound motive for undertaking it in various sectors."
Reflection
Today, the manual work force faces imminent threat and danger from the capitalists. They
have been abused and their well-being is being disregarded by those who employ them. This is
rampant in OFWs as their employers physically and mentally abuse them. They have right to leave
their country to seek better living conditions in another, however, these OFWs should not be placed
at a disadvantage in comparison with the other workers in the society in the matter of working
rights and of the human rights as well. Racism and discrimination is like a disease growing
immensely, affecting a lot of people especially the LGBTQ+ Community and the PWDs. The
people who compose this community are also human. They can see, hear, taste, and feel the neglect
shown by people. They were made in the image and likeness of God, they should be able to fulfill
their tasks in accordance with their own nature, without being discriminated against and without
being excluded from jobs for which they are capable, but also without lack of respect for their
family aspirations and for their specific role in contributing, together with men, to the good of
society. In order to achieve social justice---protection of the rights of workers to employment, just
wages, and organized unions---we must develop new movements of solidarity of the workers and
with the workers. Also, in order to solve the problem of unemployment, all the agents at the
national and international level that are responsible for the whole orientation of labor policy must
make provision for overall planning which emphasizes the well-being and welfare of their
employees and ensure their life and health as well.