MARCO, MARK OLYVER T.

LABOR LAW REVIEW 4-BLOCK A

The Rerum Novarum (“Of the New Things”) by Pope John Paul II addresses the difficulties
of the present days and the new response that is called upon by faith. It discusses five (5) areas of
concern, to wit:

1.) Role of the State - One of the difficulties being addressed is the fact that only the
employers’ lives improve, while the employees are suffering despite the economic
development brought about by the fruits of labor. There is exploitation by capital and an
imbalance exists between capital and labor. Due to such inequity, the State must enact
laws to regulate their relation and reach the balance between the two.

2.) Right of the worker to a just wage - Each and every worker must receive a “just share” in
the fruits of production. This means that the fruits of labor must improve both the
worker’s and employer’s situation.

3.) Right of association of workers – The primary purpose of such right is to make the
workers “stronger” through formation of associations. Through the right to self-
organization, the workers will gain more strength (in numbers) in dealing the terms and
conditions of their employment with the employer.

4.) New way of viewing private ownership of property – Utilization of private property must
be with the view of improving not only the life of its owner but also that of others.

5.) Right of the Church to speak on social issues – In the past, the role of the church relates
only to spiritual matters, and their traditional way of addressing social issues is more on a
spiritual perspective. Nowadays, the right of the Church to speak on any issues that affect
the daily life of the community is already recognized.