Archdiocesan Labour Commission
Building Hope Through Dignified Work
The Archdiocesan Labour Commission (ALC) is one of the ministries of the Social Apostolate of the Archdiocese of Bombay, committed to promoting the dignity of work, supporting workers and job seekers and responding to the changing realities of the world of work.
Our Vision
To serve and cultivate a future-ready, inclusive and compassionate work community where every person, regardless of faith or background is empowered to work with dignity, realise their potential and contribute meaningfully to society.
Our Mission
Inspired by the Gospel and the principles of Catholic Social Teaching, the Archdiocesan Labour Commission empowers individuals and communities by fostering awareness, strengthening employability, promoting lifelong learning and building collaborative partnerships that create pathways to meaningful livelihoods, economic resilience and human flourishing for all.
Our Journey
Established in June 2019, the Archdiocesan Labour Commission was formed under the chairmanship of Bishop Allwyn D'Silva as part of the Archdiocese's Social Apostolate.
The Commission was established to respond to the growing challenges facing workers, professionals and families in an increasingly dynamic employment landscape. Soon after its formation, the ALC accompanied the community through the economic slowdown and the COVID-19 pandemic, providing learning resources, employment guidance and counselling support during a period of unprecedented uncertainty.
Over the years, its focus has expanded beyond the traditional understanding of labour to embrace the broader World of Work—addressing emerging issues such as employability, digital transformation, Artificial Intelligence, entrepreneurship, workplace ethics and lifelong learning.
Today, the Commission continues to respond to the evolving needs of workers and employers while promoting dignified work, resilience and hope.
Leadership
Bishop-in-Charge: Bishop Allwyn D'Silva
Current Commission (2025–2031)
The Archdiocese welcomes the current members of the Labour Commission:
Fr Jervis Cosmos D'Souza
Joseph Francis Fernandes
Charmaine M Ferns – Secretary
Denver Annunciation
Rochelle Albuquerque
Nirmala Peters Mehendale
Cliantha Pereira
Dr Reuben Buthello
Sr Marie Lou Barbosa
Together, they bring diverse professional expertise and a shared commitment to strengthening the Commission's mission of serving the evolving world of work.
Special appreciation is also extended to Fr Jervis D'Souza and Francis Fernandes for supporting the Commission during the transition.
Outgoing Commission (2019–2025)
The Archdiocese expresses its gratitude to the members of the inaugural Commission for their dedicated service:
Dr Ruth D'Souza – Secretary
Fr John Almeida
Dr Astrid Lobo-Gajiwala
Royston Braganza
Leslie D'Souza
Christine Nathan
Margaret DaCosta
Dolphy D'Souza