HISTORY
The CBCI Commission for Labour was set up in 1971 in response to the recommendation
of the National Seminar “Church in India Today (1969) and the deliberation of the
Roman Synod (1971)”Justice in the World ‘’. Initially the CBCI Commission for Labour
was functioning from Chennai and later it was shifted to CBCI Centre New Delhi.
It is the official organ of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India to work for
the empowerment of the working class in the country. The Office envisages the involvement
of the Church and people’s organizations at the grassroot level in dealing with
the problems/issues of labourers, particularly in the unorganized sector.
The Office consists of three bishops and secretary. Twelve elected representatives
of priests/nuns/lay leaders from its affiliated national and regional movements
support its activities as governing body under the banner of a registered body named
Workers’ Indian Federation (WIF). WIF has initiated Workers’ Social Security Scheme
named
“Mazdoor Suraksha Yojana”(MSY) and Online Employment Exchange. The Office is based
in New Delhi and operates across the country through various CBCI affiliated labour
movements, trade unions, facilitation centers, and network groups. Workers’ India
Federation (WIF) is the legal body of CBCI Office for Labour.
VISION
To promote the dignity of all persons and the dignity of labour in the spirit of
the Gospel and according to the teachings of Christ.
MISSION
To educate the workers and leaders on labour laws, rights, duties
To uphold and promote the dignity of human labour and rights of the working classes
To strive for ensuring for the working class just wages and other remunerations
To ensure the welfare of the workers as per the teachings of the Gospel and the
Church. To give liaison with labour movements, institutions and initiatives recognized
by Labour Commission.
GOAL
To function as the inspirational body of the Catholic Church in India with regard
to all mattes related to the workers and the working class.
EMBLEM
The holding of hands of a man and woman symbolizes the solidarity and unity of all
people engaged in work. The emblem depicts sacrifice which leads to success and
peace. It is accompanied by the WIF Slogan in English and Hindi: “Secure Worker,
Strong Nation”; “Surakshit Mazdoor,Majhboot Rashtra.”
MANDATE
- To teach, guide, animate and motivate workers, leaders and employers as per the
teachings and values of the Church
- To foster and promote solidarity with the workers, especially the poorer section
of society,
- To serve as a source of inspiration and to address pastoral concerns and needs of
the workers
- To equip all sections of workers to ensure their active participation in the local
Church
- To foster greater understanding of their responsibilities towards their families,
their rights and obligations as citizens and as workers in the society and above
all as children of God.
- To be a source of inspiration and guidance to ensure that justice becomes a reality
for the people employed within the Church and its institutions.