AMERICA/COLOMBIA - The Bishops: "unemployment is one of the most urgent challenges if we want to overcome this crisis"

Thursday, 28 January 2021 work   episcopal conferences  

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Bogota (Agenzia Fides) - “The situation of many companies is increasingly difficult, many people are without work, and consequently without any economic income to satisfy basic needs.
Unemployment is one of the most pressing challenges that must be faced today, if this crisis is to be overcome ”, said the Bishops' Conference of Colombia, given the increasing number of unemployed Colombians in connection with the Covid-19 pandemic.
With reference to the social doctrine of the Church, the bishops make some reflections on the current situation. According to the bishops there are four basic criteria: work is a fundamental right and a right for everyone; the employment situation must not be reduced to production strategies or material calculations; work has a social character and is of fundamental importance for coexistence in communities, the common good and integral development; unemployment is a "social catastrophe".
Recalling the words of Pope Francis on the dignity of work, the Bishops called for "public and private initiatives to overcome the labor crisis" and "the participation of all in the search for solutions that lead to the creation of new jobs". One must "respect the rights of workers and strive for decent working conditions for all". In addition to helping those who have become unemployed, the bishops hope that appropriate ways will be found "to ensure a permanent basic income for the population support poorest and most vulnerable sectors" . Finally, the Bishops' Conference invites workers to "work together at this crucial moment to contribute to the common good with honest work, openness to dialogue and, above all, commitment". (SL) (Agenzia Fides, 28/1/2021)


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