Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church

The Church's social doctrine recognizes the legitimacy of striking “when it cannot be avoided, or at least when it is necessary to obtain a proportionate benefit”,^{663Catechism of the Catholic Church, 2435.} when every other method for the resolution of disputes has been ineffectual.^{664Cf. Second Vatican Ecumenical Council, Pastoral Constitution Gaudium et Spes, 68: AAS 58 (1966), 1089-1090; John Paul II, Encyclical Letter Laborem Exercens, 20: AAS 73 (1981), 629-632; Catechism of the Catholic Church, 2430.} Striking, one of the most difficult victories won by labour union associations, may be defined as the collective and concerted refusal on the part of workers to continue rendering their services, for the purpose of obtaining by means of such pressure exerted on their employers, the State or on public opinion either better working conditions or an improvement in their social status. Striking “as a kind of ultimatum” ^{665John Paul II, Encyclical Letter Laborem Exercens, 20: AAS 73 (1981), 632.} must always be a peaceful method for making demands and fighting for one's rights; it becomes “morally unacceptable when accompanied by violence, or when objectives are included that are not directly linked to working conditions or are contrary to the common good”.^{666Catechism of the Catholic Church, 2435.} VI. SOLIDARITY AMONG WORKERS