We can understand that work, in all its forms, is a perpetual necessity of the Spirit, be it for the complete development of all its capacities as it strives for perfection be it to do its part in the work of the Creator. 

How do you reconcile the imperfections of human labour laws and the wisdom of God on His approach to work? 

Human laws exist because we have not as yet learned to love. When we practice the law of love in all its essence, wishing for other people what we wish for us, we will realize how disposable human laws are. When we guide our human relationships by the ethics of Christ the imperfection of human laws will cease to be an obstacle.  

What aspects of human laws in the area of industrial relations has progressed the most if you look it from the perspective of achieving the goals set by Divine Providence? 

Throughout the years, I believe the biggest progress achieved in human labour laws are: 1) the introduction of more protection for workers in relation to the length of the work day and the health and safety, preventing the premature degradation of human beings from a physical and psychological perspective; 2) the ban on any type of discrimination based on gender, age, race, religion or marital status, in the true spirit of fraternity; 3) the recent introduction in Brazil of legislation safeguarding the rights of domestic workers, which many see as a second development in the abolition of slavery in the country [which took place in 1888]. 

What do we still need in order to improve human labour laws and get them more in tune with Divine Laws? 

In the same way pain can be a warning to remind us to go back to the right path set up by Divine Laws, I believe that human legislation still lacks the proper mechanisms to persuade people to abide by their legal obligations. There is a robust body of legislation and rights, but the efforts made by governments to implement them are still inefficient. In such a situation, many people try to ignore the fundamental rights of workers, increasing tension and conflicts. Unfortunately, greed and the incapacity to put yourself in the position of the other side are still common. Employers on one side disregard basic obligations in order to get a bigger profit, while workers see in the legal cases an opportunity to make money. Neither side is able to see the real goal of Justice. All they see is a way of making money. 

As a labour judge, how do you try to guide your actions taking into account the imperfection of human laws, the interests of employers and employees and the rectitude demanded by your profession? 

Even though human laws are not perfect, they have progressed a great deal and they offer us the right tools to make the right ruling. The sensitivity of the judge is key in order to get to a fair solution. The biggest problem for the judge is to identify his or her own flaws. Why do certain approaches or behavior from one side or the other annoy us more than others? When the judge manages to identify his or her flaws, he finds it easier to guide the sides towards a solution or to make the right judgment. 

Is there anything you would like to highlight from your experience as a judge taking into account your knowledge of Spiritism? 

Perhaps not a particular event, but knowing thanks to Spiritism that Divine Justice will always be present, even when I make mistakes in my analysis or my judgment.  Even though I strive to have an impartial approach to every case, I understand that I am not a justice-maker but one of its many agents. 

What would you say about paid work based on your knowledge of Spiritism? 

Paid work is necessary. As explained on question 674 of The Spirits’ Book, “civilization forces men to work more, because it increases its needs and pleasures”. I believe that the biggest challenge we have is to identify what the real necessities are and the real aptitudes of each one of us. Questions 926 and 928 of the same book offer a good perspective on that.  

What about volunteer work? 

It meets the goals of our incarnation, as explained in question 132 of The Spirits’ Book. It provides at the same time physical, intellectual and spiritual development for those who do the work and it contributes towards the work of the Creator. 

Is there anything else you would like to add? 

I remember a video of Chico Xavier played by our friend Orson Peter Carrara in one of his talks in which he talks about the limits of work. The tireless brother dedicated his incarnation to serve Souls and Spirits up to the limits of his strength. May we understand work as a tool for moral development, not as a means of accumulating material wealth nor as punishment, as many interpret the Bible allegory.