THE JOSEPH CARDIJN AWARD

Joseph carjin (003).png — Protecting the dignity of workers

The Joseph Cardijn Award, presented with the Young Christian Worker Movement, recognises young people who have stood up for the rights of workers and students, helped people into work, or shown leadership among their peers or colleagues in support of this important CST principle.

The right to work, to have a job, to have a dignified standard of living, a fair wage, and good working conditions are all connected to the dignity of each individual. Catholic Social Teaching affirms that human beings are not merely a commodity, a tool as part of a process to make things. Human beings are more important than any commodification or product, a principle that needs to be affirmed more than ever in the modern age.

Nomination Tips: This is a broad area of Catholic social teaching and the award recipient will be a young person who is committed to dignified working. Do you know a young person who truly lives out justice in their workplace or school, perhaps campaining for a real Living Wage, or better working standards? Maybe you know a young adult who is living out their vocation through their work, or someone who is very active in supporting others live out their vocation.

Inspiring students from St Anthony’s Primary School: In a story of David and Goliath proportions Ethan, Michael, Ana and Zeruiah from St Anthony’s Catholic Primary school convinced London City Airport through song to raise the wages of 100 workers. Their success has seen them perform in front of the London Mayor Sadiq Khan to help get their message across. In addition, they convinced the airport to become a London Living Wage employer after two meetings. These ambitious young people worked hard to campaign effectively for the living wage. Read more about their story and others below.

Read more about the CST principle of solidarity with workers.

And check out our full Awards’ FAQs here.