The International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) has called for a global day of action on 18 February against the position of one group of employers in the International Labour Organization (ILO) attempting to end this law.
As Christian workers, men and women, concerned about the constant attacks on social and labour rights of persons and families worldwide, we recall the message of the Church on the right to strike and the trade unions:
“Striking is one of the most difficult victories won by labour union associations. (...) The Church's social doctrine recognizes the legitimacy of striking “when it cannot be avoided, or at least when it is necessary to obtain a proportionate benefit”, when every other method for the resolution of disputes has been ineffectual.
The Magisterium recognizes the fundamental role played by labour unions, whose existence is connected with the right to form associations or unions to defend the vital interests of workers employed in the various professions. Unions “grew up from the struggle of the workers — workers in general but especially the industrial workers — to protect their just rights vis-à-vis the entrepreneurs and the owners of the means of production”. (Compendium of the social doctrine of the church, 304-305)
In view of the Magisterium of the Church, from the World Movement of Christian Workers (WMCW) we joined this day of global action and strongly support. At the same time, we show our absolute rejection to criminalize the actions of men and women trade unionists in defence of the rights of working men and women.
Our faith in Jesus Christ makes us fight for a just, fraternal and sustainable society and we understand that the international trade union, with its lights and shadows, continues to make an unavoidable contribution to achieving universal justice in all parts of our world.
(Image: ITUC)
