Pius XI, 1922-1939

be brought about that distribution of created goods be made to conform to the norms of the common good or social justice. . . .

The Just Wage or Salary of Labor ¹

[From the same Encyclical]

Let us consider the question of wages which Leo XIII said "was of great importance," ² stating and explaining the doctrine and precepts where necessary.

2261. The wage contract not unjust in its essence. And first, indeed, those who declare that the contract of letting out and of accepting labor for hire is unjust in its essence, and that therefore in its place there has to be substituted a contract of partnership, are in complete error, and gravely calumniate Our predecessor, whose Encyclical Letter "On Wages" not only admits such a contract, but treats it at length according to the principles of justice. . . .

2262. [On what basis a just portion is to be estimated]. Leo XIII has already wisely declared in the following words that a fair amount of wages is to be estimated not on one but on several considerations: "In order that a fair measure of wages may be established, many conditions must be considered. . . ." ³

The individual and social nature of labor. It must be observed both of ownership and of labor, especially of that which is let out to another, that besides their personal or individual concerns there must be considered also a social·aspect; for, unless there be a truly social and organic body; unless the social and juridical order protect labor; unless the various trades which depend on one another, united in mutual harmony, are mutually complementary; and unless, which is more important, the intellect, capital, and labor come together as in a unit, man's efforts cannot produce due fruits. Therefore, man's efforts cannot be estimated justly nor adequately repaid, if its social and individual nature is overlooked.

Three fundamental matters to be considered. Moreover, from this twofold character, which is the deep-seated nature of human labor, flow most serious conclusions by which wages should be regulated and determined.

2263. a) The support of the workingman and his family. First, wages must be paid to the workingman which are sufficient for the support of himself and of his family.⁴ It is right, indeed, that the rest of the family