What was a focus of labor rights that Pope Leo XIII defended?

Pope Leo XIII was a significant figure in the Catholic Church during the late 19th century, especially known for addressing social issues arising from the Industrial Revolution. In his encyclical "Rerum Novarum," published in 1891, he strongly advocated for the rights of workers and emphasized the importance of forming labor unions. This encyclical highlighted the need for workers to band together to negotiate better working conditions, fair wages, and social justice.

By supporting the establishment of labor unions, Pope Leo XIII recognized that collective bargaining was crucial for the protection of workers' rights and dignity in an increasingly industrialized society. Unions provided a structured way for workers to advocate for their needs and ensure that their voices were heard in industries that often disregarded their welfare. This focus on labor unions was one of the foundational elements in the Church's social teaching regarding worker rights and remains influential in discussions about labor relations today.