The Church traditionally celebrates the birth of St. Joseph on May 1 and this Jubilee Year, the Church honored him and all workers in early May. As the patron saint of workers, St. Joseph symbolizes the dignity of work as a reflection of our God-given dignity. It allows us to share in the ongoing work of creation while providing the resources we need to build and sustain families. The USCCB has long held that the most effective way to build a just economy is to make decent work at decent wages available to all those capable of working, and when the economy fails to provide sufficient jobs, there is a moral obligation to protect the life and dignity of unemployed and underemployed workers and their families. As stated in Matthew 20:4, “You go into my vineyard, and I will give you what is just.” Labor plays an essential role in helping people to live out their human dignity, a core principle of Catholic Social Teaching. In their Labor Day 2024 statement, U. S. bishops remind us that throughout Scripture, we see time and again how God shows us we must care for those who are vulnerable and honor the sacredness of everyone. As current government policies unfold, and we hear of much job elimination across the economy, let us remember to advocate for just economic policy as a human right.