Rerum novarum

T H E C O N D I T I O N O F L A B O R

RERUM NOVARUM

Prepared by Jonald Justine Umali Itugot

OVERVIEW

Author: Pope Leo XIII

Release Date: May 15, 1891

Examines the situation of poor people and workers in industrialized countries

Articulates everyone’s role in working together to build a just society

Employers are seen as “agents for change”

HISTORICAL NOTE

Poverty and exploitation of workers were prevalent towards the end of the 19th century

European and American bishops requested for an influential stand of the Church

SITUATION OF WORKERS

Most workers experience poverty

There is a decline in public morality

Greedy employers exploit workers

Government does not give attention to the poor

GUIDING PRINCIPLES

Everything starts and ends with God; everything belongs equally to all

Different talents exist among persons, but everyone is equal in dignity

Man is a gifted with reason

Common good should be everyone’s goal; everyone has a right to social participation

GUIDING PRINCIPLES

Laws are obeyed if they conform with right reason and eternal law

National wealth originates from human labor

Everyone has the right to private property as long as it helps in the attainment of common good

Profit should be used for the benefit of all

Wealth is hindrance to eternal life

ROLE OF THE CHURCH

The Church has the right to speak since social matters affect religion and morality

Gospel principles help reconcile and unify classes

The Church can educate people to act justly

RIGHTS OF WORKERS/POOR

Private property

Care

Just wage

Family

Freedom of action

Join unions which uphold values

DUTIES OF WORKERS/POOR

Work well

Protect the property of the employer

Refrain from violence and rioting

Be thrifty

RIGHTS OF EMPLOYERS/WEALTHY

Private property

No crushing taxes

Private societies

DUTIES OF EMPLOYERS/WEALTHY

Not to treat workers as slaves

Uphold dignity of workers

Let workers attend religious and family obligations

Not to impose work more than a person’s strength can endure

Pay a just wage; not to tamper with worker’s savings

Give to the poor after personal needs have been met

ROLE OF GOVERNMENT

Defend and foster the rights of families

Support both private property and common good

Safeguard the rights of workers

Intervene when necessary to prevent harm to individuals or common good

Give special consideration to the poor

Uphold social and religious rights of people