2000

5th May 2000
Future of Work: Feast of St Joseph the Worker
The Catholic Church declared May 1 as the feast of St Joseph the worker. This feast is an important opportunity for the Church to raise awareness of the needs of workers, as well as those who are seeking work.

In celebration of this feast, the Social Justice Commission of the Catholic Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle is holding a seminar on the topic of full employment. The seminar is being held this Sunday, May 7.

The Guest speaker will be Professor Bill Mitchell, Director of the University of Newcastle's Centre of Full Employment and Equity.

Professor Mitchell is well respected for his depth of knowledge and his thoughtful theories in the area of employment policy and research.

He argues that full employment is achievable, and sees governments' failure to create full employment through direct action as the most pressing problem facing the world economy today.

"I am concerned that economic growth is based on inequality: on the ever widening gap between the rich and the poor. I think the Church must carefully consider its role in employment creation," Professor Mitchell said.

Mrs Pauline Boyce, member of the Social Justice Commission of the Catholic Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle, believes that the Church has a duty to be actively involved in employment issues. "The Church has to have a presence in the modern world. Work is fundamental to our identity and dignity. The Church must work to ensure that all people have the opportunity to make choices about their participation in the work place".

Justice is a fundamental theme in this year of Jubilee, and Pauline feels it is timely that the Church considers the issue of full employment within this context. "Jubilee is about justice for all people. The Church must do all it can to challenge and redress unjust employment structures".

The "Future of Work" seminar will take place this Sunday, May 7, at 2.00 pm, in the Toohey Room at the Diocesan Centre, 841 Hunter Street, Newcastle. All are warmly welcomed.

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