Thursday, February 9, 2012

Ask Ellen: Theme 5 Of The Catholic Social Teachings For Middle School Students

Theme 5: Dignity of Work and Rights of Workers


Today I am pleased to welcome our first guest blogger. Karen Gownley.  Karen is the Assistant to Communications and Community Services, PA AFL-CIO.  She has agreed to lend her expertise on the subject with us today.  Thanks, Karen.




The Catholic church has a long history of supporting Labor Unions. The Church believes that all workers have the right to be paid fairly, treated well, and have safe working conditions. All workers should be able to support their families.

Labor Unions are formed when a group of workers stand together in unity. While one worker would likely be fired for standing up against a boss who is treating him or her unfairly, a group - union - of workers have power and a voice against unfair bosses.

Labor unions have stood up to fight for, and won, things like: the weekend, the 8-hour work day, and end to child labor.

For a quick, fun, history lesson on Unions: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ubIWyT7nGdU

Many more details, facts, & history on the relationship between Labor and the Catholic church can be found here:
http://bustedhalo.com/questionbox/what-does-the-catholic-church-teach-about-labor-unions

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