Faith in Action - A "Christian" Way of Life

The Dignity of Work

As we explore the topic of labour and work, it’s essential to recognise the dignity that comes with honest work. The Bible encourages us to view our activities as valuable contributions to the community and our families. Work is not merely a means to an end, but a calling that can bring glory to God. When we engage in our daily tasks, we are reminded that every effort, large or small, has significance in the grand tapestry of God’s Creation. By embracing our work with purpose, we honour not just our human responsibilities, but God’s design for us to be active and productive members of our society.

The Importance of Hard Work

When discussing labour and work, we cannot overlook the importance of hard work. The Scriptures often remind us that diligence is key to achieving our goals. By putting in the necessary effort, we not only benefit ourselves, but also those around us. We are encouraged to dedicate our time and energy to our tasks, for hard work shapes our character and builds resilience. When we aim to do our best, we reflect the teachings of Jesus and serve as an example to others, showing how commitment to our duties can lead to fulfilment and success.

The situation of Workers in India

There is growing unemployment and under-employment. Educated youth are unemployed or land up in the “gig economy”, doing part-time work without any benefits like PF, etc.

India's labour landscape is undergoing significant changes with the introduction of four new Labour Codes, which will replace 29 Central Labour laws and 100 State laws. These codes are:

1. Code on Wages, 2019: Regulates wage and bonus payments, ensuring fair compensation for workers.

2. Industrial Relations Code, 2020: Streamlines industrial relations, making it easier for businesses to operate while protecting workers' rights.

3. Code on Social Security, 2020: Expands social security benefits to include inter-state migrant workers, construction workers, and platform workers.

4. Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code, 2020: Enhances workplace safety and health standards, ensuring better working conditions.

   
   

These Labour Codes have been approved by both houses of Parliament and the President, but their implementation has been delayed. The Government is working to finalise the rules and regulations, and several states have already published draft rules.

While these reforms aim to simplify labour laws and improve the business environment, concerns have been raised about their potential impact on workers' rights. Some critics argue that the Codes give too much power to employers, making it easier for them to hire and fire workers arbitrarily. For example, the Industrial Relations Code, 2020, increases the threshold for establishments to have Standing orders from 100 to 300 workers, which could make it easier for employers to hire and fire workers arbitrarily.

Scripture Reading: Acts 20:31-35

So be on your guard, remembering how night and day, for three years, I never slackened in counselling each one of you with tears. And now I commend you to God and to the word of his grace that has power to build you up and to give you your inheritance among all the sanctified. 'I have never asked anyone for money or clothes; you know for yourselves that these hands of mine earned enough to meet my needs and those of my companions. By every means I have shown you that we must exert ourselves in this way to support the weak, remembering the words of the Lord Jesus, who himself said, "There is more happiness in giving than in receiving."

Questions for Reflection

a) What are the concrete ways in which the SCC can initiate common programmes from time to time for workers?

b) Am I ensuring that the workers who are employed in our homes/communities get their proper rights and wages?

c) Develop a  Plan of Action to journey as Pilgrims of Hope with the workers.

Conversation in the Spirit

Begin with a few moments of silence to allow ourselves to ponder the question a) above.

First round of conversation: Each person has a chance to speak. There is no discussion in this round, and there is a time of silence to allow for reflection.

Silence

Second round of conversation: Share what struck you most or what resonated for you in the first round and what moved you during the time of silence. Once again, this is followed by a pause for reflection.

Silence

Third round of conversation: Finally in the third round, participants reflect on what moved them most deeply. What new insights arise? What are the common themes/fruits of the conversations?

Conclude with a Spontaneous Prayer.

This paper was prepared by Fr Jervis D'Souza, Coordinator for the Social Apostolate, Archdiocese of Bombay and Joint Administrator, Clergy Home.

Download the reflection paper in Marathi below:

एप्रिल महिन्यासाठी चिंतन.pdf

Download PDF • 204KB

In May 2025, we have the Jubilee for Workers in the Archdiocese of Bombay. In addition to the May 1 Mass of St Joseph the Worker, several programmes are being planned in the month of May to create awareness and to build workers’ groups, especially focusing on young working Catholics between the ages of 25 to 35. A Committee is working on reviving the YCW Movement in the Archdiocese. Connect on e-mail: ycwjubilee@gmail.com