For the CNJP, a body dependent on the Portuguese Episcopal Conference (CEP), "changing this situation should be a true national goal that mobilises civil society and political authorities".

"Entrepreneurs and workers are required to make efforts to improve productivity and professional training. But the appreciation of wages also depends on a fairer distribution of income, on the attribution of a greater share of that income to work", defended the Commission chaired by Pedro Vaz Patto, in a note regarding the conference to be held in Lisbon on January 21, under the theme "Fair Wages Against Poverty -- Christian Workers and Entrepreneurs in Dialogue".

For the CNJP, it is important to "highlight the importance of this dialogue between Christian workers and entrepreneurs", on the assumption that "the common inspiration in the principles of the Church's social doctrine cannot fail to translate into some forms of consensus".

Inspiring fairness

"The principles of the Church's social doctrine are of the utmost importance, which should inspire the theme of fair wages as a way of overcoming poverty. These principles start from the primacy of the person. The economy, business and work must serve people, not the opposite. The fairness of the salary does not necessarily result from the consent of the parties and the rules of the market", adds the statement.

According to the National Commission for Justice and Peace, "the creation and maintenance of jobs is a way of realising the social function of private property and the universal destination of goods. In the fight against poverty, the creation of fairly remunerated jobs, more than the attribution of state subsidies".

The CNJP Annual Conference takes place from 9:30 am on Saturday, at the Franciscan Cultural Center, in partnership with Cáritas Portuguesa, the Christian Workers Movement (LOC-MTC), Catholic Workers' Youth (JOC), the Christian Association of Entrepreneurs and Managers (ACEGE), Rural Catholic Action (ACR) and the Catholic Professionals Movement (Metanoia).

"Adequate Income in Portugal" and "Fair Wages Against Poverty" will be two of the topics under discussion in the works opened by the bishop of Santarém and president of the Episcopal Commission for Social Pastoral and Human Mobility, José Traquina.


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