CCC 2434 A just wage is the legitimate fruit of work. To refuse or withhold it can be a grave injustice.¹ In determining fair pay both the needs and the contributions of each person must be taken into account. “Remuneration for work should guarantee man the opportunity to provide a dignified livelihood for himself and his family on the material, social, cultural and spiritual level, taking into account the role and the productivity of each, the state of the business, and the common good.”² Agreement between the parties is not sufficient to justify morally the amount to be received in wages.

1 Cf. Lev 19:13; Deut 24:14-15; Jas 5:4
2 GS 67 # 2.