Honesdale Community Weighs in on SDACT Campaign

Wayne County has a single elementary school that is part of the Holy Cross System of Schools - St. Vincent's in Honesdale. Teachers at St. Vincent's have been represented by the SDACT since 1984. Until last week, we had not heard much from this little corner of the Diocese. As you can see, that no longer is the case. Sentiment there is just about the same as you'll find anywhere in the Diocese regarding SDACT campaign for dignity and justice - overwhelmingly in our camp.

The story and comments below are taken from the Wayne Independent's online report of March 20, 2008.

Honesdale, Pa.

St. Vincent’s School, part of the Diocese of Scranton, has been caught up in the controversy surrounding Bishop Martino’s exhortation that he would not recognize a teacher’s union. In a closed meeting on Tuesday evening, parents at the school met at the Wayne County Public Library, Honesdale, to discuss their options. Organizers of the meeting made portions of the talk, which focused primarily on precedent in Catholic dogma for labor organization, available to the press. These snippets of encyclicals and publications going back a century shed light on both the history of the Catholic Church, and how that tangled history informs policy decisions for many area parents today.

Mike Milz, President of the Scranton Diocese Association of Catholic Teachers (SDACT), presented the lecture. The history of the church’s stated position on worker’s rights, he demonstrated, went back over a century.

From the 1891 Rerum Novarum, ‘On the Condition of Workers:’ “The most important (unions) of all are workingmen’s unions. Such unions should be suited to the requirements of this our age - an age of wider education, of different habits and of far more numerous requirements of daily life.” Pope John Paul revisited these prescient themes on the 100th anniversary of the Novarum in 1991, saying “Here we find the Church’s defense...of trade unions: certainly not because of ideological prejudices....but because the right of association is a natural right of the human being.”

This right, however, has been disputed by Bishop Martino of the Scranton Diocese, who states that the tactics of the SDACT harm students in Catholic schools and keep the labor relations policies already in place from functioning. A meeting of the Diocese’s Employee Relations Program, which the SDACT urged its members to boycott, was the final straw.

“[The SDACT] would deny fellow teachers, and all school employees, from taking an opportunity to have a voice in discussions about wages, benefits, working conditions, and grievances...SDACT will not be recognized, and this decision is final.”

In the organization’s blog, President Milz encouraged interested parents and other readers to write letters to the editor of their local papers, as well as letters to Bishop Martino or US Archbishop Pietro Sambi.

One such letter to the Bishop was quoted in the evening’s presentation was from Father Patrick Sullivan, C.S.C., PhD. He said, “In your Employee Relations Program...the moral right of workers to form their own unions is taken away...such company unions are referred to as modern day feudalism or worse.”

Other suggestions made to parents at the Tuesday evening meeting included holding parish donations in escrow, and joining prayer vigils, rallies, and picketing events. One such public demonstration was recently held at Scranton’s St. Patrick’s Day parade, with members of the SDACT and supporting parents marching and holding signs.

As the purpose of the Tuesday evening meeting was to facilitate discussion among parents, the press was asked not to attend. Organizers hoped the free and informal atmosphere would allow for more communication on this issue, which will surely continue to preoccupy parents of local Catholic schoolchildren in the coming weeks and months.


Comments (17)
frank furter
no wonder why so many people are leaving the chatholic church

Catholic Leadership?
2008-03-21T07:57:06
I think withholding donations to the church is a great idea. They used past donations to harbor pedophiles. They facilitated the invasion of Iraq. I don't trust them to do God's will with my donation. Part of my Lenten tithe went to the Navy and Marine Corps Relief Society. There are plenty of better institutions that emulate the works of christ.

ugh
i don't attend church anymore and don't hold your breath while having a " name=comment_text prayer vigil? people....This is just disgusting and that Bishop should be nice and toasty for a long, long time...." i can't believe this is happening...the kids got a letter sent home saying that the teachers get paid to much!!!! i know a woman who has three jobs because of her low wages at the school. think about what a teacher a the middle school in honesdale would make and then cut that in half or thirds. i don't attend church anymore and don't hold your breath while having a "prayer vigil" people....This is just disgusting and that Bishop should be nice and toasty for a long, long time....

2008-03-21T12:10:25
I DENOUNCE MY CATHOLIC FAITH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2008-03-21T13:27:16
Leave all attacks at the door. Any more disrespect increases any chance of the Union's reinstatement by nil. The Bishop should be respected, not vilified, especially by Catholics. What a sad spectacle to occur during Lent. I hope and pray that a peaceful resolution comes about. The employee councils should be utilized - not boycotted.
a parent

2008-03-21T14:00:11
Denounce you Catholic faith over this ?? Leaving the church over this?? Please take a step back and think about that. Even the teachers embroiled in this would not want that to happen. I do not go to church to worship the bishop, or the priests or the pope for that matter. I go to church to worship God; to grow closer to Him. Hold on to your faith. I am praying, also, for a peaceful resolution for all those concerned.

THEY HAVE YOU FOOLED
2008-03-21T14:39:26
I am born and raised catholic . I worship and believe in god and do good for my fellow man and community. The catholic church is nothing more that a gigantic corporation. The bishop only got his position because he is makes cuts and balances the budget. I find it sad what religion has became.

Support union!!!
2008-03-21T14:58:32
What happened to the true meaning of religion? For example people like Mother Teresa. For years the wooI has been pulled over all of our eyes. It is amazing how time passes, more and more of the true catholic idiology is revealed. People like Mother Teresa have been replaced by ruthless buisness men.

2008-03-21T16:10:17
if you do the history you will find that the catholic church real is a pagan church and truely does not follow the bible

Wages of Sin?
2008-03-21T17:37:08
It was the "church adminstrators" (temple masters) who put Christ to death........and they were the only ones whom He condemned. That is in every Bible - read it! When He cleansed the temple in Jerusalem - driving out the money changers (who were making $$ for the temple masters) He said: "My house is a house of prayer; but you have made it a den of theives!". That was spoken to them of that day - and to the "bishops" and clerics of this day as well. They cannot & will not escape His judgment. Ask: "where has ALL the money gone"? The bequests, endowment funds, gifts of land, bank accounts? Where? Has it gone to feed & clothe the poor - in whom Christ is present? NO!!! You have and continue to be swindled by these wolves in shepherds cloaks. They do not care about you, your children, your souls, your rights - they simply wish to use you, and your $$$. They are the lords; you are the serfs. If someone could definitively PROVE that the Diocese of Scranton and its member parishes had virtually bankrupted themselves because they literally gave away ALL of the millions upon millions of dollars given by good people over the years to the poor......literally empied thei pockets into the hands of those who needed it, no questions asked..............then they and this "bishop" would be following what Christ ordered His disciples to do (in Scripture). Now, before some well meaning fool rushes to the support of the "bishop" or the pastors, claiming they need the salaries & perks..........that is false. If you have free lodging, food, laundry, office, medical care, etc.........you simply do not need a salary in addition to all of that. Christ had nothing, except the clothes on His back & sandals on His feet - and He commanded His Apostles & Disciples to carry nothing with them, own nothing, and keep nothing for themselves - giving ALL which was given to them to the poor. Look it up in the Bible! For those who cannot comprehend this, a view of the movie "The Shoes of the Fisherman" would be quite educational. " />

The "bishop" thinks the teachers get paid too much? Well, perhaps he and his flunkies (the pastors)should give up THEIR salaries, perks, luxury accomadations, pricy autos, luxury vacation condos (yes - they DO have those!), housekeepers, etc., and live like Christ did..........in whose Name they dare to claim authority over people. And whose Name they use as a cash cow corporate logo (like Col. Sanders on KFC) for vast personal & corporate gain - for centuries It was the "church adminstrators" (temple masters) who put Christ to death........and they were the only ones whom He condemned. That is in every Bible - read it! When He cleansed the temple in Jerusalem - driving out the money changers (who were making $$ for the temple masters) He said: "My house is a house of prayer; but you have made it a den of theives!". That was spoken to them of that day - and to the "bishops" and clerics of this day as well. They cannot & will not escape His judgment. Ask: "where has ALL the money gone"? The bequests, endowment funds, gifts of land, bank accounts? Where? Has it gone to feed & clothe the poor - in whom Christ is present? NO!!! You have and continue to be swindled by these wolves in shepherds cloaks. They do not care about you, your children, your souls, your rights - they simply wish to use you, and your $$$. They are the lords; you are the serfs. If someone could definitively PROVE that the Diocese of Scranton and its member parishes had virtually bankrupted themselves because they literally gave away ALL of the millions upon millions of dollars given by good people over the years to the poor......literally empied thei pockets into the hands of those who needed it, no questions asked..............then they and this "bishop" would be following what Christ ordered His disciples to do (in Scripture). Now, before some well meaning fool rushes to the support of the "bishop" or the pastors, claiming they need the salaries & perks..........that is false. If you have free lodging, food, laundry, office, medical care, etc.........you simply do not need a salary in addition to all of that. Christ had nothing, except the clothes on His back & sandals on His feet - and He commanded His Apostles & Disciples to carry nothing with them, own nothing, and keep nothing for themselves - giving ALL which was given to them to the poor. Look it up in the Bible! For those who cannot comprehend this, a view of the movie "The Shoes of the Fisherman" would be quite educational.
No more $$$$
2008-03-21T23:25:43
The only one who will see what you have done.......is God......!!! He will see and reward your sincerity. FYI - if you give to " name=comment_text get and to as on - But do this......$$$ anonymously in an envelope for your poor neighbor. Trust me - you will feel as if you gave $10K.......even if you only give $20, because you did something sincere without thought of reward or thanks. "
Witholding donations is a great idea - since all that clergy like Martino or Boylan understand is $$$$$. Give it to the poor. Here is a great idea: take that money which you would normally give to the church, and put it in a plain, unmarked white envelope. Now go and slide it under the door of someone whom you know is poor. JUST DO IT!!! You are not asking for thanks, repayment, interest, a tax write-off, a photo-op........you are doing what Christ commanded.......CHARITY!!!! The only one who will see what you have done.......is God......!!! He will see and reward your sincerity. FYI - if you give to "charity" and then write it off on your taxes.........you are cheating; because you are trying to get a "reward" from your "charity".........and that is NOT charity! There is no such thing as "giving to God", because God neither wants nor needs your money. He commanded us to help our neighbor - any neighbor! But do this......$$$ anonymously in an envelope for your poor neighbor. Trust me - you will feel as if you gave $10K.......even if you only give $20, because you did something sincere without thought of reward or thanks.
sad

2008-03-22T12:48:40
As an alumnus of St. Vincent's, this entire situation makes me sad, although I'm not silly enough to misunderstand what is going on in the Church. Sadly, my feeling is that it is changing because of declining enrollment in the Church and in the schools. Yes, it is all a "business"...I think it's hard for some of us to see it that way, but it is true. My wish in recent weeks has been that Bishop Martino and other leaders would actually give up the "I'm right, you're wrong; I'm the boss, you're not" mentality for 10 minutes and have a civilized meeting with the teachers. Communication! I mean no disrespect. I just feel the powers that be have made this situation much worse in the way this has been handled. Now, there are so many angry and fed-up people, and it would seem that the time of reasoning has passed.

2008-03-22T15:36:42
to wages of sin, you hit that nail right on the head and drove it home
parent of a student

2008-03-24T04:43:08
They really want to close the school and do not want any contracts. The amount of children in some grades are so small that there is no other choice. They have been forced out by the cost. Honesty plays no role just the constant drumbeat of more money. They should just reveal their motives.

Support union too and I care about St. Vincents School
2008-03-24T15:26:05
They always had a union and I am from the old school, if you started out with a union, then you have legal right to keep that union. This is very sad, because they have great teachers in St. Vincent’s and they were only interested giving students a good education. If they had hired new teachers and they want to go with the Diocese of Scranton that would be their lose. Bishop Martino is trying to control this whole thing and he does not have the right to do that. I believe that this is Bishop Martino’s way of closing the Catholic schools and when he does that, he will lose a lot of catholic’s. I went to a catholic school over fifty five years ago and it was in the city, and my school and church are still standing, it has not been closed like the churchs and schools in PA. I do believe in God and I do carry him in my heart! Before Bishop Martino took over, St. Vincent's School had lots of students and a great principal, now that Bishop Martino is running the show and changing everything, the school has lost students and good people that also worked there, because they all cared about the children. " name=comment_text>


I am a catholic and I do support unions for the teachers of St. Vincent’s School. They always had a union and I am from the old school, if you started out with a union, then you have legal right to keep that union. This is very sad, because they have great teachers in St. Vincent’s and they were only interested giving students a good education. If they had hired new teachers and they want to go with the Diocese of Scranton that would be their lose. Bishop Martino is trying to control this whole thing and he does not have the right to do that. I believe that this is Bishop Martino’s way of closing the Catholic schools and when he does that, he will lose a lot of catholic’s. I went to a catholic school over fifty five years ago and it was in the city, and my school and church are still standing, it has not been closed like the churchs and schools in PA. I do believe in God and I do carry him in my heart! Before Bishop Martino took over, St. Vincent's School had lots of students and a great principal, now that Bishop Martino is running the show and changing everything, the school has lost students and good people that also worked there, because they all cared about the children.

Questionable motives?
2008-03-25T03:35:23
Now there was NOT a drastic decline in parish membership or attendance PRIOR to this time period. Think about that for a moment. Yet, since Martino & Boylan arrived, the number of masses has been slashed - which obviously CAUSES a drop in attendance. Look at it another way - if you have a movie theater, and you reduce the number of showings of a movie - you will naturally tend to reduce the overall attendance figures. The more you reduce the number of potential "seatings", the smaller your attendance will be. That is without even taking into consideration the very important emotional factor of parishioners who feel offended by such "service cuts"........and simply walk away angry. The clergy know this, and are using it..........! This is a sort of ecclesiastical downsizing. It is done on purpose - dont let anybody tell you to the contrary! And what makes any supportive argument in favor of it (i.e. lack of priests) becomes laughable, in light of the fact that the number of clergy working in the parish has been essentially constant over the years. Simply stated: they are doing this on purpose. Laziness is a factor - but a secondary one. Let he/she who has brains & eyes to see.........use them......and comprehend what it going on here! St. Vincent's sits on some 50 acres of very valuable real estate. Let that sink in!!!!!!! Think well on that, and come to the (painfully obvious) correct conclusion. No matter what some diocesan spin doctor says, they want this school closed. Open your eyes and read what has and is happening across the US in other dioceses. The Catholic schools are being liquidated - slowly and intentionally. While they remain open, they serve to drain money. Yes, there should be a teachers union - and they have the right to organize, and should be supported by the parents of the students. But the motivation & honesty of the Diocese should be questioned. After all, these are the good folks who brought you the Society of St. Johhn in Shahola - which was approved of, funded by, and vigorously defended by .........the Diocese & its leadership. Your money went to underwrite them. And to defend the Diocese against those victims who dared (GASP!!!) to complain of and persue criminal & civil action." />

One should realize that both Bishop Martino & the local pastor came to power at about the same time............which seems to coincide with the "decline" in St. Vincent's mentioned by other posters. Very interesting..................one should also note well that the number of Sunday masses has been drasticaly slashed here in these last 4-5 years. Now there was NOT a drastic decline in parish membership or attendance PRIOR to this time period. Think about that for a moment. Yet, since Martino & Boylan arrived, the number of masses has been slashed - which obviously CAUSES a drop in attendance. Look at it another way - if you have a movie theater, and you reduce the number of showings of a movie - you will naturally tend to reduce the overall attendance figures. The more you reduce the number of potential "seatings", the smaller your attendance will be. That is without even taking into consideration the very important emotional factor of parishioners who feel offended by such "service cuts"........and simply walk away angry. The clergy know this, and are using it..........! This is a sort of ecclesiastical downsizing. It is done on purpose - dont let anybody tell you to the contrary! And what makes any supportive argument in favor of it (i.e. lack of priests) becomes laughable, in light of the fact that the number of clergy working in the parish has been essentially constant over the years. Simply stated: they are doing this on purpose. Laziness is a factor - but a secondary one. Let he/she who has brains & eyes to see.........use them......and comprehend what it going on here! St. Vincent's sits on some 50 acres of very valuable real estate. Let that sink in!!!!!!! Think well on that, and come to the (painfully obvious) correct conclusion. No matter what some diocesan spin doctor says, they want this school closed. Open your eyes and read what has and is happening across the US in other dioceses. The Catholic schools are being liquidated - slowly and intentionally. While they remain open, they serve to drain money. Yes, there should be a teachers union - and they have the right to organize, and should be supported by the parents of the students. But the motivation & honesty of the Diocese should be questioned. After all, these are the good folks who brought you the Society of St. Johhn in Shahola - which was approved of, funded by, and vigorously defended by .........the Diocese & its leadership. Your money went to underwrite them. And to defend the Diocese against those victims who dared (GASP!!!) to complain of and persue criminal & civil action.

More Letters Support SDACT Campaign for Justice and Dignity

The following are letters to the editors of local newspapers.

From the Wilkes-Barre Times Leader, March 30, 2008

Bishop made mistakes with school consolidations, should give everyone a break

Many things have changed since Joseph Martino was named bishop of The Diocese of Scranton, most of them not for the good of the people, however. There are two huge mistakes committed by this bishop.

The first one: combining four Catholic high schools in Luzerne County, two in Lackawanna, and many elementary schools across the diocese. While it was apparent we were in financial trouble and that some schools had to be closed, he went about it all wrong. He would not even listen to our ideas and opinions to make the transitions smoother and not ruin all of the seniors’ last year in high school.

What would have been so difficult about planning this out with a nice, five-year plan instead of spontaneously closing these schools? He left many students and teachers uncertain about their futures. All this was done behind closed doors without our input. He didn’t even let us pick our school’s name, and I sure know that students of the four former high schools didn’t vote to have the Royals as a mascot.

But, his decision was final and he didn’t want to give us the courtesy of listening to our thoughts. It’s ironic too, since God gave us two ears and one mouth.

The second big mistake he made is not letting the teachers have a union. By denying the teachers the right of having a union, many teachers could leave to a teaching job that has a union.

He already messed up our senior year enough, but now due to him being stubborn about the right to form a union, he’s now driving teachers to have “sick-outs.” I don’t blame the teachers for being angry and wanting union representation, but I don’t want this to affect end-of-the-year activities for seniors.

Every single teacher I have ever had over my years in high school went above and beyond in helping students.

I hope that these teachers do not leave because the bishop won’t let them form a union.
Bishop Martino, you do not realize our school is made up of three types of people: the students, the teachers and the parents – all of equal importance. When one of us suffers, we all suffer, because everyone has to contribute their share for the school to function properly. We all may not agree at times, but we all have respect and care for one another. We all want what’s best for everyone.

You, Bishop Martino, try to hide behind a mask of “absolute authority” and do not value our opinions. Honestly, can you blame us for being angry? Your actions, so far, have indicated that you are no leader.

All in all, I want to thank you for almost ruining my senior year of high school, but I have managed to salvage good out of it, as many of my friends have been able to. I have been keeping up good grades and remained on the National Honor Society. I had a lot of fun playing football with new and old friends. I met new people and some good friends from the other schools.
But most of all everyone in our school is united now for a good cause. There is less than half of the school year left, and all I ask of you is to give us a break. Give the seniors and teachers across all the schools in the diocese a much-deserved break.

Daniel J. Volovic III
Wilkes-Barre

From the Wilkes-Barre Citizens' Voice , March 31, 2008

Bishop’s role is to welcome people into the church, not the opposite

A bishop is supposed to bring people into the church, not drive them away. Along with an attitude problem, our bishop suffers from an altitude complex. However, there is a distinction between God and Bishop Martino: God doesn’t think he is a bishop.

Joseph Welgo
Pittston

From the Wilkes-Barre Times Leader, March 30, 2008

Advice in battle with bishop rooted in church history

Friends of mine, very concerned about the controversy between Bishop Joseph Martino and the “unionists,” asked me if I might state an opinion, even perhaps a solution, to this ongoing confrontation. Like the present Democratic primary, things, they said, were beginning to get nasty.

I told them that while I sympathized with the objectives of the parochial school faculties, given the history and hierarchical structure of the Catholic Church, the matter really was one of doctrine and therefore not argumentative.

My friends trotted-out Pope Leo XIII’s “Rerum Novarum,” the encyclical supporting labor and by inference permitting Catholics to form and join labor unions. This sets a precedent supporting our rights to organize, I was told.

Once again, I told them that they were wrong. The Catholic Church is a mitered oligarchy and given to arbitrariness. To oligarchs, I continued, precedents are honored only if it serves their current needs.

Bishops, not unlike their namesakes on the chess board, move diagonally – never in a straight line. This permits them to cut corners, actually to do as they please. Your right to form unions might be based upon convincing (straight) arguments. However, since you have empowered your bishops, they will play by the rules of the game you yourselves obediently observe. Therefore, they can slice your rationales in any way and at any time it suits their pleasure. In other words – you lose!

My friends now were totally dejected. I tried to exit the conversation gracefully by reminding them that I was not Catholic and therefore not qualified to inject my opinions. They, however, reminded me that I was a graduate of the University of Scranton and had often praised the scholarship and incisive thinking of my old Jesuit professors. This in itself, they told me, entitles me to offer an opinion as an “outsider.”

I relented and told them I would consider the matter and meet with them shortly, hopefully to suggest a solution to this troubling situation. So in time we did meet again and this is what I proposed:

The first thing you must do, I told them, was to collate all of their arguments, complaints, reasonings, etc., into the form of 95 Theses. The number must be exact. If you are unsure how to structure a Thesis, consult any erudite Protestant for assistance. They know. The 95 Theses should be written in Latin and preferably on parchment-like paper.

Next, seek out the residence of Bishop Martino. Walk to the door, and while that aperture may not resemble the one at Wittenberg Castle Church, it will serve the purpose. Nail the 95 Theses to the Bishop’s door and leave. The Bishop, when he discovers your Theses, should get the message. If he doesn’t, when the word gets out, I’m sure the pope will.

Eli Fleisher
Harveys Lake

The diocese needs a third-party perspective

The following editorial appeared in the Wilkes-Barre Citizens' Voice, March 31, 2008

The labor dispute between the teachers in the Catholic Diocese of Scranton and the bishop has moved to the next level. And that’s a good thing. The Congregation for Catholic Education will review the dispute over whether the diocesan teachers can unionize. Then it will rule. The next avenue of appeal is the Supreme Tribunal of the apostolic Signatura, the Supreme Court of the church.

Clearly, third party intervention is needed here. The review will provide an independent third-party perspective. Sadly, at this point, it seems to be the only vehicle left capable of negotiating this rocky road.

10 people launch 20-hour prayer vigil supporting union

From the Wilkes-Barre Times Leader, March 30, 2008

Ten people gathered in a chilly St. Peter's Cathedral Prayer Garden at 4 p.m. to begin a 20-hour prayer vigil in support of efforts to unionize Diocese of Scranton teachers.

Scranton Diocese Association of Catholic Teachers (SDACT) President Michael Milz said people will arrive in one-hour shifts until noon Sunday to maintain he vigil, though he conceded that with night time temperatures predicted to dip into or near the teens, he will advise those on night shifts take advantage of Bishop Joseph Martino's decision to make the chapel in Holy Cross High School across the street available.

A group called Parents Supporting SDACT came up with the prayer vigil idea, part of an ongoing campaign to convince Martino to reverse his rejection of unionization. Milz said the vigil is a good example of how unorthodox this labor dispute has become. "Usually a union goes on strike to try to get parents' interest," he said, "But everybody is with us, so we have to rethink things and shift the focus to the overall discontent brewing with the bishop."

Milz also said the Association is talking with some legislators about a possible effort to amend the National Labor Relations Act so it covers Catholic School Teachers. The law allows most employees who want to unionize to petition the National Labor Relations Board, which can order and oversee a secret ballot election among employees on unionization. But in 1979 the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that the law doesn't cover Catholic teachers. Milz conceded the odds of getting the law amended are slim.

Catholic school teachers picket before start of classes

From the Williamsport Sun Gazette, March 29, 2008

They carried umbrellas and signs that read ‘‘Give us our union back’’ and ‘‘What would Jesus do?’’ as about 20 people participated in an informational picket before the start of classes Friday in front of St. John Neumann Regional Academy high school campus.

From 7:15 to 7:45 a.m., teachers from various grade levels, along with representatives from local unions, took to the picket lines to express their displeasure with the Diocese of Scranton’s and Bishop Joseph Martino’s refusal to recognize the Scranton Diocese Association of Catholic Teachers.

In January, the diocese announced it would not recognize the union, and instead it has implemented an employee relations program, which some Neumann employees have opted to participate in.

For some teachers, the employee council is not an option, and this was their second trip to the picket line since the announcement in protest of the Diocese’s stance.

‘‘Most of the people in this area don’t realize that we had a union in the Scranton Diocese for 30 years ... We only want what we’ve had for 30 years,’’ Wendy Trenholm, math department chairperson at the high school, said. ‘‘Never has it been about money. Never. In the 30-page contract, two pages are dedicated to salary and benefits. Everything else is about equal rights for employees and just basic human rights about planning periods and preparations and just all the little things that go with teaching.

’’Dan Gallagher, manager of community affairs with the diocese, said the diocese ‘‘isn’t taking issue with any of the informational pickets or prayer vigils.’’

‘‘Where they do have a problem is when teachers are conducting a work stoppage,’’ Gallagher said, noting Thursday’s ‘‘sick out’’ at St. Nicholas/St. Mary Interparochial School in Wilkes-Barre, and other recent ‘‘sick outs’’ that have forced school closures in Scranton/Wilkes-Barre-area schools. The dispute has not caused classes to be canceled at St. John Neumann to date.

‘‘Bishop Martino has said throughout this ... his decision is final and he does not intend to go back on that.

’’Trenholm said some of the Bishop’s statements regarding health care benefits and salary apply to Scranton/Wilkes-Barre teachers, but not to Neumann teachers, she said, referring to a full-page paid advertisement the diocese ran in the Sun-Gazette for four days in February.

‘‘The things that the Bishop has been publishing in our newspaper here is not the benefits package that we’re receiving here in Williamsport,’’ Trenholm said. ‘‘(Teachers in the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre areas) have a much better salary scale up there and they have much better benefits than we do, frankly.’’

Gallagher said salaries are based upon ‘‘number of years, degrees and/or credits.’’‘‘The salary scales in the past were set at each individual school, therefore, there are some teachers in the Holy Cross (Scranton area) and Holy Redeemer (Luzerne County) system earning more, less or the same as the teachers in the St. John Neumann System,’’ Gallagher said. ‘‘We have hired Parente Randolph Human Resource division to work with the employee relation councils to assist in this matter. It must be noted that each system has a different financial base which will always be determined by number of students (tuition), parish subsidies (all parishes in the diocese contribute), and fundraising so the budget will be established in each of the four systems.

‘‘Some matters will be determined by the diocese but many financial issues will be within the systems since they are dependent on enrollment and fundraising,’’ Gallagher said.

Being a smaller school, Trenholm said, also requires teachers and staff to multi-task which, she said, they understand and will comply with, as long as their rights aren’t infringed upon.

‘‘We are totally willingly do extra duties on the side with no compensation at all,’’ Trenholm said. ‘‘But when it comes to trying to give us a duty lunch, like cafeteria monitoring while we’re supposed to be eating ... those are the things (we’re against).

’’Liz Gerritzen, who works part-time as a Spanish teacher at all Neumann campuses, said she picketed for her right to representation because part-time employees cannot participate on the diocese’s employee council.

Gerritzen said Martino also has promised all teachers free tuition for their children. Gerritzen said she has a student at the high school and has not received ‘‘any type of tuition assistance or any type of reduction.’’

‘‘I know that the bishop’s letter keeps saying that all teachers in the system get free tuition. All teachers in the system, no. That’s only full-time workers,’’ Gerritzen said.

When asked if part-time employees can participate on the council and if they are entitled to free tuition, Gallagher said it’s ‘‘very difficult to make a blanket statement,’’ because part-time employees must meet certain criteria to be eligible for benefits.‘

‘Part-time could be nine-month teacher aide positions or they could be 10 hour a week cafeteria positions,’’ Gallagher said. ‘‘Issues differ based upon the position.’’

Dean Reynolds, president of the Northern Tier Central Labor Council that represents all the AFL-CIO-affiliated unions in Clinton, Lycoming, Tioga and Bradford counties, said about a dozen of the council’s members wanted to show the SDACT their support by joining them on the picket line.

‘‘We’re out here supporting our sisters and brothers here at St. John Neumann,’’ Reynolds said. ‘‘It’s just amazing to us that the Catholic Church has always been such a supporter of organized labor, and this just doesn’t make sense to us, and this is really what we’re all about. We’re just here to do anything we can to help them get recognized with their union.’’

Ron Bower, with the bricklayers union, said Martino ‘‘lacks the people skills to be in the position that he is in’’ in his refusal to negotiate with the teachers.

‘‘He needs to be removed and put in a position where he doesn’t have to deal with people,’’ Bower said. Classes at all St. John Neumann campuses were not disrupted by the picket, according to Kathy Bahr, the academy’s development director.

‘‘Teachers who picketed were in their classrooms well before classes began, and the day is proceeding normally,’’ Bahr said.

Teachers said the union will continue to appeal Martino’s decision, which could take the battle as far as the Vatican. Gallagher said the diocese ‘‘will engage in the appropriate process that is required’’ as the dispute progresses.

The picketers also encouraged families to get involved.

‘‘In the Scranton Diocese, especially in the Wilkes-Barre area, the parents there are so vocally supportive, and we just really don’t know how a lot of our parents here stand,’’ Trenholm said. ‘‘We feel uncomfortable talking about it because we just don’t know their stance.

’’Picketing also took place at Holy Redeemer in Wilkes-Barre and Holy Cross in Scranton, according to Michael Milz, president of the SDACT. Milz said about 100 people turned out at Holy Redeemer, but he had not received a total count for Holy Cross.

Teachers again walk line

From the Wilkes-Barre Times Leader, March 29, 2008.

Members and supporters of the Scranton Diocese Association of Catholic Teachers (SDACT) have staged pickets, prayer vigils and sickouts in an effort to get Bishop Joseph Martino to reverse a January decision rejecting teacher unionization.

Martino has said the decision is final and irrevocable, but he did decide to aid the union in one small way. A posting on the diocesan Web site announced that the St. Peter’s Cathedral Prayer Garden in Scranton will remain open for a prayer vigil being staged by union supporters from 4 p.m. Saturday to noon Sunday.

Saying that Martino has stressed prayer since arriving in 2003, the notice said he “has directed that those who participate in this prayer vigil are to be accommodated to the fullest extent.” The garden will remain open all night, the chapel at Holy Cross High School across the street can be used in bad weather, school restrooms will be available, and security provided “to ensure the safety of all.”

Union President Michael Milz said Friday, “We appreciate this very nice gesture,” but that was as far as the common ground went. The diocesan statement said the vigil “is far superior” to union sickouts that have closed schools but “will not change the fact that SDACT will not be recognized as the bargaining agent for teachers.”

The diocese has launched an alternative “Employee Relations Program,” and the statement repeated the contention that the program “will ensure the dignity and justice for teachers.” The statement accused Milz of urging teachers “to discourage their peers” from attending an Employee Relations Program meeting March 13, and insisted that representatives from “most of the schools” attended anyway.

Milz repeated his contention that the majority of the community supports the right of workers to unionize, and cited a closed-door meeting Thursday hosted by Pat McCormick of the Peace Center to discuss concerns regarding the diocese.

Milz said he had attended the meeting of 50 people and that it was “a good cross section of people with the same problem we have: lack of communication with the bishop.”

“One woman said ‘The bishop is supposed to be a good shepherd, but he seems to be a shepherd who is allergic to wool.’

Catholic school teachers, parents picket in 3 towns

The following is from the Scranton Times-Tribune, March 29, 2008.

To view similar stories, follow the links below:

Wilkes-Barre Citizens' Voice, March 29, 2008: Diocesan teachers hold rally for union recognition
Towanda Daily and Sunday Review, March 29, 2008: Teachers continue protests against Scranton Diocese

Teachers, parents and supporters gathered in the gray and damp of the early morning to picket in front of Holy Cross High School on Friday.

“We’re trying to get attention for our cause,” said Jerry Skwish, a math teacher at the high school.

Their protest — and similar demonstrations in Wilkes-Barre and Williamsport — are the latest in a series of events, including sickouts, designed to raise awareness of teachers’ efforts to get Bishop Joseph Martino to reverse a January decision in which the Diocese of Scranton would not recognize the teachers union.

About 40 people turned out to orderly and quietly pace along the sidewalk in front of Holy Cross for a half-hour, beginning at 7 a.m.

In Wilkes-Barre, about 100 teachers, parents and supporters participated in a 30-minute rally that began at 6:45 a.m. outside Holy Redeemer High School. Teachers there held signs reading, “100 years of Catholic social teaching can’t be wrong,” “Practice what you preach or we won’t teach” and “SDACT: the only true voice of lay teachers.”

“It went well. We had a nice turnout,” union President Michael Milz said.

Efforts to reach diocesan officials were unsuccessful Friday.

“There has been no dialogue,” Mr. Milz said. “The only response, if there is any response at all, comes from a press release which they post to the Web site.”

The teachers have sought aid from a higher authority, announcing this week that they will appeal the bishop’s decision to a Vatican panel. And today, a 20-hour prayer vigil will begin at St. Peter’s Cathedral at 4 p.m.

One reason the teachers want a union is to improve their contracts, said Kaitlyn Hapeman, a music teacher. Due to a glitch in scheduling, she has only the three-minute break between classes to make the 15-minute drive from the Dunmore campus of Holy Cross to her afternoon class at the Scranton campus. She is constantly cutting one class or the other short, and was surprised that school officials didn’t fix the conflict after they found out.

“If we had a contract, we could have language in there regulating that,” she said.

Matthew Sciabacucchi, a financial planner from Pittston, showed up in Scranton to picket in support of his mother, who is a teacher. Among his concerns is the teachers’ retirement plans. Mr. Sciabacucchi became familiar with the plans after helping his former fifth-grade teacher when she wanted to roll over her retirement funds.

“They gave us such a hard time,” he said. “They gave excuse after excuse to delay the process.” In a private company, those delays would merit fines, he said.

More public support for SDACT's cause

The following letters to the editor appeared in the Wilkes-Barre Times Leader, March 29, 2008

It’s ignorant to give bishop free pass on talks with teachers

In her recent letter to the editor, Christina Fleury of Troy appears to be afflicted, like so many Catholics, with the attitude that “the bishop must be obeyed at all costs.”

Such an attitude reveals either an ignorance or avoidance of the role of dissent in the Catholic Church – not about dogma or moral principles, but on the way Catholics apply these principles to their everyday lives.

For example, the U.S. bishops refused to bind people in conscience to the recommendations made in the 1984 Peace Pastoral and the 1986 Economic Pastoral. As a result, Catholic foreign officers and military experts in 1984, and Catholic economic and political experts in 1986, were free to reject any or all of the bishops’ recommendations. Otherwise, why do the U.S. Bishops’ Conference and the State Catholic Conferences lobby on political issues with moral implications? They see the importance of applying moral principles to factual situations.

Unfortunately, Bishop Martino has removed the possibility of differences about the factual issues and simply attempted to make his interpretation a command for all in the Scranton Diocese.

Furthermore, Christina Fleury, like too many Americans, has bought the all-too-common corporate and media propaganda that unions are corrupt, dishonest, greedy and irresponsible. It’s an attack that has been around a long time, but one which ignores the fact that there is much more white-collar crime among corporate officials than among union officials.

Ironically, Christina Fleury echoes the unjust and unfounded accusations of Bishop Martino that the Scranton Diocese Catholic teachers are “selfish” and/or “self-interested” and are not interested in preserving the diocesan school system. Thus, her almost total agreement with Bishop Martino makes Christina Fleury one of many people who are quite unwilling to examine and thus understand the real nature of the diocese’s refusal to negotiate with teachers, as well as to understand the financial dealings of the Scranton Diocese.

Only public examination of such records can settle the dispute.


Back diocese teachers to show support for the American dream

It was a rather average day in late autumn when I found myself once again seated in a navy schoolroom chair of dubious constructional quality, mourning the passage of yet another summer and praying that the subsequent months would seem equally as transient. I struggled to maintain consciousness as faces new and old took their seats around me.

It wasn’t long before the room began to quiet – we students quietly awaiting the opening speech from our new American history teacher.

I must admit that I hadn’t expected the class to be anything special, and I certainly hadn’t expected to enjoy it. Yet not even 10 minutes into our first class period of the academic year, this man had uttered six ordinary words, which, in combination, have the ability to summarize the entire span of human existence, from prehistory to the present: “Perception is more important than reality.”

No matter how much “progress” has been made for society as a whole, the perception of one group will be the primary dictator of its motives, regardless of the perception of the other group.
Such are the conditions in which we find ourselves today, as the Scranton Diocese is permeated by the strife between Bishop Joseph Martino and the Scranton Diocese Association of Catholic Teachers (SDACT).

Do not let ignorance and apathy reign during this crucial period for our beloved teachers. Become informed, and let your voices be heard.

I encourage you all – even those of you not affiliated with the Catholic community – to stand up and speak out against ignorance. I encourage you to become active participants in this battle, for idle hands shall do nothing for our cause – a cause which concerns not only the Catholic teachers of the Scranton Diocese but also all those who believe in the American dream of equality and justice for all.

I am reminded of that rather average autumn day four years ago, when the utterance of those words and those that followed throughout my enrollment transformed the way in which I viewed the history of our world and, more importantly, the way in which I viewed my relationship to that history.

Through the years that man had encouraged me to think beyond the mere facts and figures of history and to consider the human element responsible for that history – a lesson more valuable than one in any textbook .

Without his guidance and uncommon insight into the workings of humanity, I would have remained blind to the importance of issues such as this.

I would like to close with sincere thanks to this man to whom I can never truly express enough gratitude, Mr. Michael Milz, president of SDACT.

Elise Drobish Bishop Hoban High School Class of 2006 Pittsburgh

Belleville priests issue statement calling for bishop to resign

Catholic News Service

BELLEVILLE, Ill. (CNS) -- More than half of the active priests of the Diocese of Belleville have signed a public statement calling for Bishop Edward K. Braxton to resign, citing frustration with his leadership and their conclusion that "he has lost his moral authority.

"In response the bishop issued a letter to Catholics in the diocese dated March 20, Holy Thursday, in which he stated he intends "to serve as bishop of the Diocese of Belleville for as long as the Holy Father wants me to do so.

"In their March 14 statement, the priests said that "because of the bishop's lack of cooperation, consultation, accountability and transparency, it is the judgment of a great number of the presbyterate that he has lost his moral authority to lead and govern our diocese."

"Therefore, it is requested that Bishop Braxton resign from his office as bishop of the Diocese of Belleville for his own good, for the good of the diocese and for the good of the presbyterate," it said.

Forty-six priests signed the statement, which was sent to local news media, who posted it on the Internet. The Official Catholic Directory lists the Belleville Diocese as having 77 active diocesan priests, with three serving outside the diocese and 48 listed as retired, sick or absent. Seven of the signers are retired, local newspapers reported.

In the 1,700-word letter, which he asked priests to read at Easter Masses, Bishop Braxton recalled that a group of priests met him right before his installation in June 2005 to tell him to "step aside so that a more suitable bishop could be chosen. ... These priests told me that there was a 'firestorm of hatred' against me in Belleville, that I was not welcome here, that I would never be welcome here."

He said he told them -- and was repeating it in the letter -- that he intends to remain Belleville's bishop and that as a priest and bishop he has always sought to be "completely obedient to the Holy Father and completely faithful to the magisterium."

The March 14 priests' statement was the latest public airing of an often-contentious relationship between Bishop Braxton and some of the priests and laity of his diocese.

Three weeks earlier, the regional superior and five regional council members of the Adorers of the Blood of Christ religious order wrote to Archbishop Pietro Sambi, the Vatican's apostolic nuncio to the United States, asking him to intervene in the diocese "to create a moment of change that will touch everyone in the diocese and will eventually bring healing, reconciliation and a renewed faith in this body of Christ."

"Bishop Braxton's credibility has been called into question, and his words of explanation or apology are not being heard or received by many as signs of change," the women religious said in their Feb. 23 letter.

"The fatigue, confusion and depression that are visible among many church members are symptoms of a deeper strain for this local church," they said. "And we ask, 'What more can be done to intervene in this scenario?'

"The St. Louis-based order of women religious has 30 sisters working in the Diocese of Belleville and another 60 retired members who live there. The sisters' letter cited "unraveling of both trust and hope" as well as anger and discouragement among many of the priests and laity of the diocese.

A "climate of secrecy that surrounds committee meetings and actions within the diocese must end," they said, adding "outside skilled facilitation or intervention appears absolutely necessary if there is to be a movement toward healing.

"Sister Jan Renz, the order's regional superior, is also a member of the diocesan finance council.

In 2005, when Bishop Braxton was first named to Belleville to replace then-Bishop Wilton D. Gregory, who was appointed archbishop of Atlanta, some priests and lay leaders protested that they had not been consulted in the selection process and that the former bishop of Lake Charles, La., was a poor fit for Belleville.

In January of this year, Bishop Braxton issued a public apology for having bought furniture for the pastoral center and vestments for the cathedral with funds designated for other purposes. The diocesan finance council had questioned the purchases, which were made with money from a diocesan fundraising campaign and a bequest designated for the Propagation of the Faith.

In his statement the bishop apologized for anything he did to contribute to "the confusion, mistrust, misunderstanding, loss of confidence and even anger caused by these developments." He explained that he believed using the funds he tapped for those purchases fell within his discretion as bishop.

He said the funds, totaling about $18,000, would be replaced by an anonymous donor.

The March 14 statement suggested the bishop's January efforts did little to ease tensions in the diocese.

"Recent revelations of Bishop Braxton's misappropriation of funds have only intensified the lack of trust the priests, religious and laity of our diocese have in our bishop," it said. "We believe that his spending patterns, his pursuit of outside donors to cover these expenditures and his lack of transparency in finances and other areas has resulted in a total lack of trust.

"The priests urged the reappointment of the chief financial officer of the diocese, whose contract Bishop Braxton declined to renew, and encouraged the people of the diocese to continue to financially support the annual Catholic Services and Ministry Appeal.

"We pledge to ensure all these funds are closely monitored and used only for their intended purposes," they said.

The priests also said they were recommitting themselves "to being more collaborative, consultative and transparent in our own pastoral ministries. We will continue to work and pray for healing and reconciliation in our diocese.

"In his March 20 letter to Catholics, in which he thanked those who have shown their appreciation for him and his ministry "in so many ways," Bishop Braxton said: "We need an increase in wisdom and understanding which will help us to make the necessary efforts to find more effective ways of communicating, cooperating and collaborating for the good of the church.

"I hope that after Easter we can initiate conversations with our priests about things we can do differently and better for the sake of the Gospel of Christ," he said.

Group holds closed meeting to discuss issues facing diocese

From the Wilkes-Barre Citizens' Voice, March 28, 2008


Group holds closed meeting to discuss issues facing diocese

A group of concerned Catholics had a private meeting Thursday at the Holiday Inn Express in Pittston Township, near the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport, to discuss issues facing the Diocese of Scranton.
'
The session was not open to the media, but organizer Pat McCormick planned to address several issues facing the Diocese of Scranton. Approximately 60 people attended, hotel officials said.

The Diocese has been under fire since Bishop Joseph Martino announced it would not recognized the Scranton Diocese Association of Catholic Teachers as a bargaining unit. The decision followed a very public reorganization of diocesan schools, which forced the closure of several of them.

The teachers staged a sickout Thursday at St. Nicholas/St. Mary’s Elementary School in Wilkes-Barre to protest the decision.

Public outcry has pressured the Diocese to reverse it, but spokesman Bill Genello said in a statement Thursday the decision was final.

The union recently appealed to the Vatican, which has agreed to hear its case.

The teachers and their supporters will stage a prayer vigil on Saturday into Sunday at St. Peter’s Cathedral in Scranton.

The Diocese has arranged for private security personnel to ensure their safety, and has agreed to open the chapel and lavatory facilities at Holy Cross High School across the street, Genello said.

McCormick could not be reached for comment late Thursday.

SDACT Press Release Regarding Sick-out at St. Nicholas-St. Mary's School

March 26, 2008

Tomorrow, March 27, 2008, members of the Scranton Diocese Association of Catholic Teachers (SDACT) have called for a sick-out at St. Nicholas-St. Mary's Elementary School in Wilkes-Barre. It is part of SDACT's direct action campaign to call attention to the Scranton Diocese's refusal to allow the teachers their right to form and be represented by the union of their choice. Teachers at St. Nicholas-St. Mary's had been represented by the SDACT for the past twenty-four years.

This sick-out is part of SDACT campaign for justice and dignity for Diocesan lay teachers in accordance with the social justice teachings of the Catholic Church. In their 1986 Pastoral Letter on the US Economy, the US Catholic bishops stated:

"Unions may also legitimately resort to strikes where this is the only available means to the justice owed to workers. No one may deny the right to organize without attacking human dignity itself. Therefore, we firmly oppose organized efforts, such as those regrettably now seen in this country, to break existing unions and prevent workers from organizing.”

Rather than disrupt the educational process at all schools where teachers support the union, we have chosen instead to affect the educational process in one school for one day. The members of the Association regret the inconvenience suffered by the parents due to these actions. Moreover, we apologize to the students for disrupting the educational program in progress.

We continue to make every effort to avoid a general disruption in the educational process. We invite all parents to lend us their support in both word and deed, because we believe our cause is just and because we believe that their voices would be valuable in promoting a resolution to the current crisis.

Follow the links below for related stories:

Sick-out cancels classes at St. Nicholas/St. Mary

Teacher sickout closes W-B elementary school

Parochial teachers’ sick-out set today

Congregation for Catholic Education will review bishop’s refusal to recognize teachers group

From the Wilkes-Barre Citizens' Voice, March 27, 2008

The dispute between the Diocese of Scranton and the teachers union will proceed to Vatican City, the union’s president said Wednesday.

The Congregation for Catholic Education will review the case and issue a decision that could uphold or overrule Scranton Bishop Joseph F. Martino’s refusal to recognize the teachers union as a collective bargaining unit, union President Michael Milz said.

If the congregation sides with the diocese, then the union will appeal to the Supreme Tribunal of the Apostolic Signatura — often called the Supreme Court of the Church, said Rita Schwartz, president of the National Association of Catholic School Teachers.

“Bishop Martino, we think so clearly violated the law of the Church,” she said.

In January, the diocese announced that it would not recognize the Scranton Diocese Association of Catholic Teachers, and instead it has implemented an employee relations program.

Milz said there was no timeline for the decision or possible hearing at the Vatican.

To follow the official appeal process, union officials wrote to Bishop Martino to ask him to change his decision shortly after it was announced. He replied that his decision was final, so now all information has been forwarded to Cardinal Zenon Grocholewski, prefect of the Congregation for Catholic Education, Milz said.

If it comes to a hearing, the diocese and union each will employ a lawyer who will present their sides in front of the Supreme Tribunal.

Efforts to reach Vatican officials were unsuccessful Wednesday evening.

William Genello, diocesan spokesman, said he was not aware of the possible hearing.

The appeal to the Vatican is just one of several steps to pressure Martino into recognizing the union, Milz said.

“We’re leaving no stone unturned,” he added.

View similar stories by following the links below:

Vatican to hear union

Union’s request for recognition to be heard by Vatican

Diocese dispute goes to Vatican

More Community Support for SDACT Campaign

The following letters to the editor appeared in today's edition of the Wilkes-Barre Times Leader.

Union backer calls teachers’ request basic right to representation

As a 90-year-old practicing Catholic, I am appalled, embarrassed and saddened by the refusal of Bishop Joseph Martino to allow the diocesan teachers the right to choose their bargaining agent.

Like many people from Northeastern Pennsylvania, I come from a long line of union members.

My grandfather and my father belonged to the United Mine Workers; my husband was the president of Local 120 – The American Newspaper Guild; I belonged to the International Ladies’ Garment Workers Union; and my daughters, who were educated in Catholic schools for 16 years, were members of the teachers’ union.

Each of us was allowed to pick the union that represented us.

The Catholic teachers should have that same basic right.

Evelyn Pesavento
Kingston

Postal workers union supports Catholic school students, teachers

I would like to comment on the recent student walkout in a show of support for the Holy Redeemer teachers’ fight to be union-represented.

I applaud the many young men and women who braved the cold that day out of respect for their teachers’ struggle for better working conditions.

You all have earned the respect of the labor force in your community. You did it with dignity, using prayer and peaceful marching. One student was quoted as saying, “Teachers have dedicated their lives to cultivate ours.” I say, they have done a heck of a job at Holy Redeemer.
You may be considered just “kids,” but that day you took on something that clearly defines you as young adults. Even though you were threatened with disciplinary action, you still followed your hearts and went ahead with the walkout.

You may not have changed Bishop Joseph Martino’s decision to deny the teachers a fair day’s pay for a fair day’s work, but you definitely gave him something to think about.

Maybe it is he who should be disciplined. How about two hours of community service. He may then find out how the other half lives.

I congratulate the parents for the morals they have instilled in their children. And to the teachers at Holy Redeemer, the Wilkes-Barre Area Local American Postal Workers Union has your back.

John Kishel President, Wilkes-Barre Area Local 175, American Postal Workers Union Wilkes-Barre

SDACT Responds To Latest Diocesan Screed

Below is today’s press release posted on the Diocesan website by their public relations representative, Bill Genello. As a commentary on this release, we must say that we are again saddened that the Diocese continues to attempt to deflect blame for the consequences of its decision to ignore the rights of its teachers.

Once again, they claim that the self-interest of the SDACT's leaders is driving this dispute. Again we say, you haven't talked to us. We have made ourselves available to talk at every turn of this controversy. The SDACT has invited our parents and the public to express their concerns directly to us. We have laid bare our positions and opened up the history of our organization for anyone to see. The Diocese has not spoken to us, and again they offer a smear of our goals, entirely devoid of fact. Is it any wonder, that thousands of people in the community now support SDACT's campaign for dignity and justice.

With each baseless retort to our actions, the need of our teachers for an independent voice becomes clearer. We can assure you that each disruption of the education process flows directly from our heartbreaking desperation and disbelief at the treatment we are being shown by the Bishop's lack of dialogue. We cannot conceive of what our organization has done to deserve being denied the rights our Church champions for others. We have asked the Bishop to meet with us, to tell us the faults he finds in the 30-year history of our organization, only to be denied that insight and accused baselessly of greed. In contrast, we have shown the parents and the public our history and our resolve, and have received only offers of support.

What we find most insulting in Mr. Genello’s petulant and childish whine (a tone he has employed throughout this dispute as noted by the Scranton Times-Tribune editorial board) is the utter lack of regard for the intelligence of our teachers. To imply that hundreds of extremely educated professionals could be duped by a few “greedy” leaders into undertaking a campaign, where they are putting their own careers at risk, more than strains the imagination. He owes all of our teachers an apology.

The fact remains that our teachers believe with all of their hearts that what they are doing is the right thing, the Catholic thing. Finally, any of our officers would gladly relinquish the mantel of leadership in the union as a trade off in procuring the rights of our teachers to have a true voice in choosing how their interests are to be represented. All that our teachers have asked for, and will continue to ask for, is the opportunity to make that choice.

Diocese of ScrantonStatement on SDACT’s Work Stoppage at St. Nicholas/St. Mary School, Wilkes-Barre

"The leaders of the Scranton Diocese Association of Catholic Teachers (SDACT) have called for another work stoppage, this time at St. Nicholas/St. Mary Elementary School in Wilkes-Barre. Because so many faculty members have reported they will not teach their students, the principal, Sister Mary Catherine Slattery, S.C.C., has been forced to close the school for Thursday, March 27.

This latest abandonment of the classroom, which has been orchestrated by SDACT’s leadership, affects 431 students in grades K-8. The Diocese deeply regrets that these children are being denied their education. It is also unfortunate that their parents are so adversely impacted by SDACT’s tactics. These parents pay tuition – which supports teacher salaries ­– to have their children in school. Now, they have the added burden of arranging care for young children who should be in class.

This grossly unfair treatment of students and parents is the direct consequence of SDACT’s useless campaign against the Bishop and the Diocese. This latest disruption exposes once again the vain and desperate attempts by SDACT’s leaders to maintain their positions of power and the extra financial compensation they derive from union dues.

SDACT’s leaders claim that the welfare of their students and the preservation of Catholic education are their primary interests, not financial gain. Yet, their tactics do harm to students and the Catholic education apostolate. These desperate tactics actually confirm the wisdom of Bishop Martino’s decision to preserve his responsibility to manage our Catholic schools. Moreover, SDACT’s use of students and parents as bargaining chips will never succeed. SDACT will not be recognized and this decision is final and will not be revoked.

The Diocese has established an Employee Relations Program to serve as the forum for regular dialogue about wages, benefits, grievances and working conditions. This program will ensure dignity and justice for teachers and other school employees."

Agenda set for meeting of concerned Catholics

From the Wilkes-Barre Times Leader, March 26, 2008


Organizer says all seats are filled for closed session, for which he seeks an open dialogue but not extreme moves to alter diocese.

By Mark Guydishmguydish@timesleader.comEducation Reporter

An agenda has been released for a closed meeting of concerned Catholics scheduled for 7 p.m. Thursday at the Holiday Inn Express near the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International airport.
On the web

View the agenda

View excerpts of the letter

Organizer Pat McCormick plans to cover several topics, including “autocratic decision-making,” “lack of communication,” “apparent union busting”, and “poorly planned parish consolidations/unexpected school closings.”

McCormick, best known in Wilkes-Barre for his work with the Peace Center, is footing the bill for a session limited to 50 seats. In a brief e-mail that included the agenda, he noted all the seats were filled. He previously said the media will be barred so that those attending feel more comfortable speaking freely, but that he’ll probably discuss the meeting afterward if reporters are there.

McCormick has stressed he is not looking for a specific outcome from the meeting, but felt a need to open a dialogue about issues arising in the church, particularly since the struggle by some teachers to unionize hit the headlines in January. He said he is not looking for any radical efforts to change the diocese.

The agenda opens with a prayer and hymn followed by an introduction and two simple ground rules: One person speaks at a time, and “no name calling or vulgarity.”

McCormick then intends to spend about 10 minutes going over church documents he feels address the topics that prompted him to organize the meeting.

After that, he wants to open the floor for debate during a session dubbed “why are YOU here?” That will be followed by some brainstorming on possible solutions. The meeting will end with The Lord’s Prayer.

McCormick’s e-mail included excerpts from the documents he will cite. Under the topic he titled “Just a note on Christian conscience,” he quotes “The Church in the Modern World”: “Conscience is the most secret core and sanctuary of man. There he is alone with God, whose voice echoes in his depths.”

He cites two documents from Vatican Council II regarding “autocratic decision making,” one of which says a bishop “should ensure that the faithful are duly involved in church affairs,” and “should be willing to engage in dialogue with his priests, individually and collectively, not merely occasionally, but if possible regularly.”

Teachers need union to preserve educations ‘second to none’

The following letter to the editor appeared in the Wilkes-Barre Times Leader of March 25, 2008.

I have been a Catholic school teacher in the Diocese of Scranton for the past 37 years, and, Bishop Martino, you need to know how I and other teachers are feeling.

We are devastated by the accusations you have made about us. For more than 30 years many of us have taught in your schools. We have given of ourselves unselfishly to educate the Christian youth of our community. Our graduates have become doctors, lawyers, nurses, teachers, proprietors and even priests. We have provided for them an education steeped in Christian values and – to borrow words from Bishop Hoban’s alma mater – an education “second to none.”
Catholic education is our life, not a stepping stone to public schools. We have offered thousands of hours beyond our 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. workday.

We have coached, provided extra-curricular activities, spent countless hours grading and offering extra time to our students to help them learn, for little or no remuneration.
We are also active members in our parishes, as well as Eucharistic ministers, lectors, leaders of music and teachers of classes for public school students – to name a few of our out-of-school tasks.

We are not greedy people and neither are our union leaders. You have been in this diocese only for a short time and do not know us. The teachers who unselfishly spend hours representing us are dedicated Christian teachers. They care for the conditions aimed at the betterment of the teachers, but mostly for the students. They care for a just class size and working conditions that will provide for our students the best education they can receive.

I need to tell you that our union president, Michael Milz, is one of the best teachers I know. He gives countless hours to his students, even offering instruction in the evenings and on Saturdays so they will be prepared for their AP History exams. I cannot speak for the other schools, but when you closed our school, Bishop Hoban, you told the public that we were in terrible debt. We know that was not the case. Yes, we would have been incurring future expenses to repair the heating and cooling system that was 36 years old, as well as other repairs needed to the building. But that had nothing to do with the salaries or benefits of the teachers. You are probably also not aware of the number of scholarships that were provided to our students, funded by the teachers and service staff.

What is most upsetting is the fact that you do not seem to care what happens to our diocese. You will close our churches and schools, and then you will move on. You do not care to get to know us, or that Catholic education is an integral part of our lives. This is obvious to us, because you refuse to speak to us or even respond with dignity to our letters.

We are presently working very hard to make Holy Redeemer High School a school that also will be “second to none.” We have wonderful students, parents, and excellent teachers and staff members.

But we need the support of our union to secure the rights that we and the students deserve, so we may educate our students to the best of their abilities.

Barbara Hogan Plymouth

The following letter to the editor appeared in the Scranton Times Tribune of March 25, 2008.

Two-way street

Editor:

I know it was not his intention, but in my mind Monsignor Donald A. McAndrews’ March 13 letter was describing Bishop Joseph Martino when he wrote, “In our society today we see a continued declining respect for authority of any kind on the part of many people, not just the younger generation. This problem exhibits itself in the attitude ‘No one can tell me what to do and I’ll do whatever I want.’

“Is that not the attitude that the bishop has taken with closing churches and schools and denying the teachers union? Does he care about his flock or is he just interested in the money?

I believe that the church’s money went to pay off the lawsuits that the church was involved in, because some of the bishops did not protect their flock when they just transferred the priests that were in question. Also, money went to pay the defrocked priests for the rest of their lives.

Monsignor McAndrews was right to say we were instructed to respect people of authority by our parents, but this respect must go both ways.

We must remember that Bishop Martino may be a man of God, but he is still a man, and therefore he can make mistakes. I do not believe that it is God’s will that we close his churches and his schools of Catholic teachings.

DAVID B. TAYLOR

March 2008 Edition of US Catholic Magazine Features Story on SDACT Campaign

The following is from the March 2008 edition of US Catholic Magazine:

Next steps unclear in Scranton showdown over Catholic teacher's union

Though he has declared the matter closed, the standoff between Scranton Bishop Joseph Martino and a Catholic school teachers association seeking formal recognition from the diocese seems like to continues. After a February 28 "sick out," teachers began informational pickets around area Catholic Schools on February 29 but have not indicated what their next step might be. On Friday February 29, more than 200 of Holy Redeemer’s 857 students walked two laps around the school amid chants of “Go union” before returning to class. The students who participated in this small lesson in civic participation were rewarded with 2.5 hours of detention and apparently will be asked to complete a punishment assignment. For some perspective on Scranton's labor confrontation, U.S. Catholic contributor Matt Bigelow spoke with Penn State's Paul F. Clark. Clark is the director of Penn State's Department of Labor Studies and Employment Relations.

USC: How would you describe the bishop's tactic in his letter? Specifically, Mike Milz, president of Sranton Diocese Association of Catholic Teachers (SDACT), has asserted that it is obvious from the tone and intent of his letter that Bishop Martino has been coached by a corporate "union-buster." What is your take on that claim?

PC: The courts have said that Congress did not intend the National Labor Relations Act to apply to the church, however that does not mean that the church cannot recognize and deal with untions if it decides to do so. The church has in fact done this in Scranton and many other places, ostensibly because it was putting into practice its teachings that people have a "basic right" to be represented by unions.

One could argue that the measure of an individual or organization's moral commitment is the degree it sticks to its convictions when those convications are challenged by difficult circumstances. The bishop now appears to be saying that the church supports the basic right to uninoze as long as it doesn't inconvenience the church. Using that logic even the coal and steel companies' opposition to unions in 1800s could be justified (although the bishop suggests unions where a good idea then).

I certainly don't know if the bishop is using an anti-union consultant in this situation, however, I think what the union is alluding to is that his arguments are very consistent with the arguments such a consultant would use. I do think that if the bishop were using church funds to hire anti-union consultants that would be unfortunate as these consultants do oppose, in every way, the church's teachings about unions.

The bishop seems to be saying that although workers have the right to unionize, he has a greater duty to protect Catholic education in the form of keeping tuition affordable. The bishop seems to be saying that the duty is jeopardized by the existence of a union. Is that an accurate depiction of his argument?

It seems to be a correct interpretation. But again, it is hard for the bishop to say that "employees should have a right to form a union except when it might make things difficult for us." Unions were created to give employees a voice in their workplace. And the system of industrial relations in this country clearly supports the notion that an independent union is the best way to give employees that voice. And the law that governs this system clearly indicates that a group formed by the employer to give employees a voice is a contradiction in terms and (for those covered by the act) is illegal. So the system the bishop is proposing is illegal for almost all other workers, and for good reasons.

Also, our political system long ago accepted the idea that checks and balances are important. As citizens we are concerned about the problems that occur when power and authority is concentrated in one person or party. One of the basic functions unions perform is to serve as a check on the unrestricted power of employers. If the bishop wanted to make the case as to why his teachers need a union, he is doing a very good job here by saying, "'I make the deicsions, I decide how and in what form you will have a choice.

"SDACT's Milz has claimed that the Employee Relations Program would be illegal anywhere corporate labor laws apply.

I think he is correct. Section 8A2 of the NLRA basically outlaws unions or union-like programs formed or dominated by employers for the reasons I suggested above. In the old coal and steel days the bishop cites, they were called company unions. As a society we saw how problematic they were, and we outlawed them in 1935 for most workplaces. Unfortunately since the church isn't covered by the NLRA legally they can get away with what is illegal for most other workplaces.

Is this confrontation over union rights unique to the Scranton diocese?The Catholic Church has been inconsistent on the issue of employee rights to organize. It has been very supportive in principle and often in practice. But sometimes it seems to have somewhat of a "do as I say, not as I do" attitude. In its own institutions (schools, hospitals, etc.) it has sometimes taken a harsh anti-union line, so what the bishop is doing is not unprecedented within the church.

Unfortunately, this leaves the church open to accusations of hypocrisy. Atheists have noticed. For more examples, just search for information on "Catholic Church union busting."

LABOR DISPUTE DIVIDES RELIGIOUS COMMUNITY Priests back workers at hospital chain run by order of nuns

The following is from The San Francisco Chronicle, January 21, 2008

Labor organizing can be tense under the best of circumstances, but in bucolic Sonoma County, one such effort has escalated to a theological debate of sorts, pitting Catholic nuns against their ecclesiastic brethren in a dispute involving labor rights, the church's social teachings and a multibillion-dollar business.

On one side are the Sisters of St. Joseph of Orange, who operate Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital as part of the $3.35 billion St. Joseph Healthcare System, a business that supports their order. On the other are local priests, labor leaders and hospital employees who have accused management of creating an atmosphere of intimidation.

The tension has escalated in recent months, which have been punctuated by marches, vigils and meetings.

For their part, hospital officials say they respect their workers' right to organize and deny any union-busting agenda.

"We support our employees' rights to choose for themselves whether or not they want to have union representation, and we're committed to following federal laws of how our employees go through the process," said Kevin Andrus, spokesman for St. Joseph Health System. Calls for comment by the Sisters of St. Joseph were referred to the system's public relations staff. The nuns' critics, however, say hospital officials have sought advice from anti-labor firms, required workers to attend mandatory meetings discouraging union support and pressured employees to avoid organizing activity.

And that, they say, is not practicing what the Catholic nuns are supposed to preach.

The church has a long history of supporting labor rights. Catholic leaders, including the Sisters of St. Joseph, have publicly backed workers in such campaigns as the Janitors for Justice, which began in the 1980s. The church also played an integral role in helping resolve the farm workers' disputes of the 1960s and '70s.

"The Catholic Church has been the greatest supporter of the workers' right to unionize," said Monsignor John Brenkle, pastor of St. Helena Catholic Church, who was asked by the local bishop to help mediate the dispute.

"Our tradition has been such, but all of a sudden, when it comes home and we are the ones whose workers want to be unionized," Brenkle said, "it's a little different."

Despite his friendship with Sister Katherine "Kit" Gray, general superior of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Orange who also chairs the health system's board, Brenkle said he believes the order might be allowing business interests to dominate its decisions.

St. Joseph Health System, based in the Southern California city of Orange, operates 14 hospitals along with nursing homes, hospice care, clinics and doctors groups with operations in California, West Texas and Eastern New Mexico. In Northern California, it runs Santa Rosa Memorial, Petaluma Valley, Queen of the Valley in Napa, Redwood Memorial in Fortuna and St. Joseph in Eureka. In 2006, the system generated $3.35 billion in revenue.

The system is the largest in the state to employ workers who are not represented by the Service Employees International Union Healthcare Workers-West.

The union has made efforts to organize various St. Joseph hospitals around the state, but its latest attempts have been focused on Santa Rosa, with the more recent additional of Petaluma Valley Hospital, along with several hospitals in Orange County.

Brenkle and other local priests have sided with the SEIU-UHW and other religious leaders who support the union. They've joined workers participating in candlelight vigils and marches. The Santa Rosa Diocesan Priests' Council last year adopted a set of guidelines established by the national Conference of Catholic Bishops to ensure fair labor elections and has urged the Sisters of St. Joseph to do the same.

Unlike many other Catholic health systems where members of the founding order have little active role in running the hospitals, members of the Sisters of St. Joseph make up the majority of St. Joseph's board of trustees. Sisters also serve on boards of the individual hospitals.
Several veteran employees of Santa Rosa Memorial remember when the nuns were active on the hospital's floors as nurses and administrators.

"The nuns were very much a presence when I first worked there, and now you don't even see them," said Lori Serrano, a former medical coder who worked at the hospital for 28 years before her job was eliminated and outsourced to a Colorado firm in October. "Everything is now the bottom line. It's just dollars."

Serrano said she loved the work, but that supervisors clearly were anti-union.
"They said the unions would be bad for us and we didn't need it, but I don't see why we don't have the option for a fair election," she said.

After a failed effort by Teamsters in 1999 to organize technical and service workers at Santa Rosa Memorial, workers in 2003 approached SEIU about representing more than 800 workers, including nursing assistants, respiratory therapists, radiology technicians, housekeeping and other staff. Nurses and engineers already are represented by other unions.

Despite a petition with more than 30 percent of the staff supporting a vote, SEIU called off a scheduled election in 2005 because the union feared it had lost support. Workers said they were discouraged from showing union support and were required to attend meetings that presented the union in a negative light.

Rocio Allen, a nursing assistant at Santa Rosa, said she experienced intimidation firsthand when she wore a button in support of the union several years ago. A manager told her she could not wear the button and made her wait while he checked her job status with human resources before allowing her to return to work.

"They preach every worker has a right to justice and dignity, but they do not allow that in their own place," said Allen, adding that she supports a union so workers would have representation in disputes such as firings and schedule changes.

SEIU and workers have filed several complaints against Santa Rosa Memorial with the National Labor Relations Board.

Of three charges filed in recent years, one resulted in a settlement in which the hospital did not admit any wrongdoing, and two were dismissed, said Tim Peck of the NLRB's San Francisco office. One case, which involved a former employee alleging an unfair firing, was dismissed because it was filed after the statute of limitations had expired.

More recently in Southern California, an administrative law judge ruled Dec. 18 to set aside a vote held at St. Mary's Medical Center in Apple Valley in August. Workers at the hospital, which also is operated by St. Joseph's Health System, voted narrowly against representation, but the judge found hospital officials interfered with the process by engaging in intimidation tactics.
Before attempting another vote, union supporters want hospital management to agree to a set of ground rules that would guarantee a free and fair election. A similar hospital operator, Catholic Healthcare West, a 42-hospital system based in San Francisco, has labor agreements with SEIU and other unions that include election ground rules.

But St. Joseph officials have refused, saying such ground rules are unnecessary because guidelines already are established by the NLRB.

"We will move through the election process following NLRB rules and following personal rules of conduct," said Andrus, spokesman for the health system. "It's a time-tested process that has proven to work long term."

The union's position that the NLRB rules are inadequate and the hospital's refusal to budge have created a stalemate. Hoping to resolve the protracted dispute, priests and others have appealed directly to the sisters.

"The religious community very much supports us. They're challenging the sisters to step up and do the right thing here," said Michael Hartnett, a respiratory therapist at Santa Rosa Memorial who was part of a group of workers invited in November to meet with Gray at the system's corporate headquarters.

Harnett said the meeting was cordial but did not result in any changes. "We left the meeting with them telling us it's OK to disagree," he said.

JoAnn Consiglieri, a former Sister of St. Joseph, also met with Gray, whom she found gracious but unmoving.

Consiglieri, who left the order in 1979 and now works as a marriage and family therapist in Santa Rosa, said she has become involved in the labor dispute because she supports workers' rights and believes that is part of Catholic thinking. "My conscience tells me this is not OK," she said. "I believe strongly in Catholic social teachings and these workers need to have a voice."
Joe Fahey, a professor of religious studies at Manhattan College of New York who traveled to Santa Rosa to attend a vigil on Jan. 17 in support of the union, said St. Joseph is not the only Catholic health institution embroiled in union controversy.

Similar disputes are continuing with hospitals affiliated with Resurrection Health Care in the Chicago area and with Providence Health & Services in Oregon.

"Unfortunately, Catholic employers, in many cases, act no different than other employers, even though Catholic social teaching is firmly on the side of the right to form labor unions," said Fahey, founder of a newly formed group, Catholic Scholars for Worker Justice.

At a glance
-- St. Joseph Health System, owned by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Orange, has been locked in a protracted labor dispute with union officials and workers at Santa Rosa Memorial, Petaluma Valley and other hospitals the system.

-- Local pastors from the Catholic Diocese of Santa Rosa support the hospital workers' right to organize. The diocese last year adopted guidelines by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops that call on Catholic hospitals to work with union leaders to establish a mutually agreeable elections process.

-- Union supporters want hospital management to agree to a set of ground rules that would guarantee a free and fair election. St. Joseph officials refuse, saying such ground rules are unnecessary because guidelines already are established by national labor law. No vote is scheduled.

Source: Chronicle research.

Popes' Encyclicals Speak to Rights of Unions

Being the Easter season, how appropriate that we look to our Church and its leaders for guidance on our ongoing dispute regarding lay teachers' right to form and be represented by a union of their choice. Besides those excerpts that can be found in earlier postings on this blog, here are a few additional items for thought and reflection.

"For to enter into a [workmen's association]...is a natural right of man; and the State must protect natural rights, not destroy them; and if it forbids its citizens to form associations, it contradicts the very principle of its own existence..."

Pope Leo XIII, Rerum Novarum, para 86

"It belongs to the bishops to permit Catholic workingmen to join [neutral trade unions not associated with the Church] where they judge that circumstances make it necessary and there appears no danger for religion..."

Pope Pius XI, Quadragesimo Anno, para. 35

"The important role of the union organizations must be admitted: their object is the representation of the various categories of workers, their lawful collaboration in the economic advance of society, and the development of the sense of their responsibility for the realization of the common good."

Pope Paul VI, Octogesima Adveniens, para. 14

"Among the basic rights of the human person must be counted the rights of freely founding labor unions. These unions should be truly able to represent the workers and to contribute to the proper arrangement of economic life. Another such right is that of taking part freely in the activity of these unions without risk of reprisal.'

Pope Paul VI, Gaudium et Spes, para. 68

"It was always hoped that, thanks to the work of their unions, workers will not only have more, but above all be more: in other words, that they will realize their humanity more fully in every respect."

Pope John Paul II, Laborem Exercens, para. 20

"We vehemently oppose violations of the freedom to associate, wherever they occur, for they are an intolerable attack on social solidarity."

US Conference of Catholic Bishops, Economic Justice for All, para. 105

"The purpose of unions is not simply to defend the existing wages and prerogatives of the fraction of workers that belong to them, but also to enable workers to make a positive and creative contribution to the firm, the community, and the larger society in an organized and cooperative way."

US Conference of Catholic Bishops, Economic Justice for All, para. 304

Hard line of Bishop Martino will drive young people away

The following letter to the editor appeared in today's edition of the Wilkes-Barre Citizens' Voice.

Editor:

I have been following the events of the Scranton Diocese Association of Catholic Teachers versus Bishop Martino from 2,300 miles away and, even at this great distance, I can see in the photographs and hear in the written words that people are simply tired. They are tired of being told what to do and in the case of the teachers, where and how they are allowed to work. And the thing that worries me more than these current events is that our next generation of NEPA Catholics has been subjected to an unwelcoming church — a divided church. On the coattails of the sexual abuse scandals comes a hard-line attitude affecting, again, our children. May the people of the Diocese of Scranton find hope and strength in what is right and may their dear shepherd lead them with the heart of Jesus.

Joe Ushinski (Formerly of Wilkes-Barre)

Queen Creek, Ariz.

SDACT Seeks Continuing Support From Labor Community

(Photo: International Brotherhood of Teamsters President James J. Hoffa, Jr., Atty. Martin W. Milz and SDACT President Mike Milz at "Peggy Browning Fund" Dinner)

SDACT President Mike Milz attended the "Peggy Browning Fund" Dinner in Philadelphia on Wednesday evening, March 19, 2008.  The dinner honored Teamsters President James Hoffa, Jr. and drew a large crowd of leaders from the Pennsylvania and national labor community.  Mike Milz attended the event as a guest of local Steelworker's President Joe Padavan and Vice President Mike Saporito.  SDACT's campaign was discussed and received the well wishes of many leaders across the labor spectrum. The labor community has been extremely generous to the SDACT campaign for justice and dignity.  Assurances were given that support of our cause will continue as long as we need it.

Letter to bishop makes plea for healing in Catholic community

The following letter to the editor appears in today's edition of the Wilkes-Barre Times Leader.

Being a Catholic all my life and a graduate of three area Catholic institutions, I sent this letter to Bishop Joseph Martino with hope for a change of heart.

Bishop Martino:

As a parent of a St. Jude grade school student, Holy Redeemer High School student and a Marywood University student, I have a lot vested in Catholic education. My husband and I have made many sacrifices to send our children to Catholic schools, and the main reason is because of the fortitude of the teachers.

These teachers stood behind the transitions and the changes, and they made tremendous efforts to help keep our school systems working with as little disruption to their students as humanly possible. These teachers were moved about and faced with many obstacles in preparing their subjects for the start of school and did so without additional compensation and little gratitude.

When my daughter was very ill, I e-mailed her teachers and immediately received feedback: her class assignments, homework and well-wishes for her health. (I hope to receive such feedback from this office.)

I don’t know a single parent who does not support the teachers in their effort of maintaining their union. These teachers have always bargained respectfully, and strikes were never an issue until you came up with this new idea for a different bargaining plan. Teachers are uniting. Students are uniting for their teachers. Parents are uniting to end this disruption of school and possible lengthening of the school year.

Now I hear that public school teachers are also uniting in support of our teachers. Bishop, please unite with us – not be against us. We have been through enough. Meet with this union. Listen to their needs as Jesus listened to the needs of his people. Hear the cries of your people; don’t turn a deaf ear.

We need you to bring us together so we can be a Catholic Christian family again. Too many people have been hurt and angered over the past year.

Let this be the time to heal during Lent so we can all celebrate our risen Lord in the joy and happiness of our faith and not with heavy hearts.

Mary Ann Keefe Mountain Top

The tools to make a positive change are in hands of bishop

The following letters to the editor appears in today's edition of the Wilkes-Barre Times Leader.

Change. It appears to be inevitable in all of our lives.

Change is often unwelcome, often inconceivable and almost always extremely difficult. It can, however, define who we are. Whether the change is bringing home a new baby, losing a job, going through a divorce, or changing schools, it is how we act and react to this new situation that people will ultimately have reason to judge us.

Personally I have had to swallow a great deal of change recently, and it is only through my faith that I was able to handle it all. Change is not easy to say the least, but I learned very early in life that sometimes you have to fight for what is right.

As a Roman Catholic in the Scranton Diocese, a graduate of Bishop Hoban High School, a graduate of King’s College, and a single parent, I would implore you, Bishop Joseph Martino, to please at least offer the teachers a vote on whether or not they want to unionize.

I have three children in the Holy Redeemer school system and don’t want to see them not attending the schools that I have fought so hard to keep them in. As a parent, I am asking you to please settle this matter expeditiously. You are the leader of Christ’s flock in this area and, as such, you are the one man who has the capability to change the current situation.

I need you to be a role model of the Catholic faith to my children. I have tried to teach my children that faith is not something you can blindly preach; it is something that must be lived every day. It is helping your neighbor, living the commandments and being kind to one another. Faith should never be reduced to name-calling and ultimatums.

I realize you are new to this area, and so I will give you the benefit of the doubt that you truly believe you are doing the appropriate thing for our schools. However, in my opinion, it is time to put aside your pride, admit that perhaps there is another way to deal with the teachers and give all of us who support the teachers’ efforts a voice.

Changing your opinion will not be seen as a weakness but rather a willingness to heal your broken flock. Your change will no doubt be difficult and perhaps even unwelcome to some people; but it is necessary.

Your change will impact all of your faithful, and I beg of you to consider it.

Claire M. Wert Wilkes-Barre

What Does Our Church Have to Say on Union Rights?

1991 – Centesimus Annus:
The Hundreth Anniversary of
Rerum Novarum

“Here we find the reason for the Church's defense and approval of the establishment of what are commonly called trade unions: certainly not because of ideological prejudices or in order to surrender to a class mentality, but because the right of association is a natural right of the human being, which therefore precedes his or her incorporation into political society. Indeed, the formation of unions "cannot ... be prohibited by the State", because "the State is bound to protect natural rights, not to destroy them; and if it forbids its citizens to form associations, it contradicts the very principle of its own existence.”

Pope John Paul II

Parents choose to place faith in Catholic school teachers

The following letter to the editor appears in today's edition of the Wilkes-Barre Times Leader.

We have heard from many experts on both sides of the debate of having teachers in Catholic schools represented by a union.

Due to the obvious conflict on this issue, we decided to depend on our own level of expertise. We both have been educated in Catholic schools through grade school, high school and college. More important, we already have made the financial sacrifices needed to get two of our three children through 12 years of Catholic education. With one more child in eighth grade, we find that it is getting harder to provide her the Catholic education we’d like her to have.

The crisis of Catholic education in the Scranton Diocese is really taking a toll on the faithful membership of the church. With all the hardships that parents face raising children in this area, we are now presented with yet another dilemma. Whose side should we be on in the struggle to keep dedicated and qualified teachers in the classrooms of our Catholic schools? How is one to decide?

We chose to let the past serve as a basis of information on what will happen in the future. The experiences we had were very positive at both St. Nicholas-St. Mary’s Grade School and Bishop Hoban High School. The faculty has been top-notch at both institutions and provided a positive educational experience for our family. We have grown to respect the efforts of these teachers and always have appreciated what they have done for our children. We should probably be on the side of the teachers. But wait …

We have been raised to honor and respect the leaders of our church. We learned that lesson while attending Catholic schools ourselves. Our faith has always provided us the strength to believe that our church leaders are making the best decisions on our behalf. Maybe it is true that we do not know all of the circumstances. We should probably be on the side of the diocesan leadership. But wait …

Both sides of this issue cannot be right. What are parents to do?

It is our recommendation to all parents to be on the side of – your children. That is what you signed up for. You knew that you would be the first teachers of your children and eventually you would have others fill that role when it was time for them to further their educations. Nobody said that it was going to be easy. This is another one of those hard times. You must stand up and do what is right for your children.

What we have always wanted for our children is a good, Catholic education. There are two parts to this. First of all, it is a good education that they need. This means qualified and dedicated teachers. Second, we want them to learn in an environment that complements the teachings of our faith. We want teachers who will not only provide the book smarts that they need, but also will be an example for them on how to deal with matters of everyday life. That is why we feel that a Catholic education is a worthwhile investment. It provides the proper perspective that grade-schoolers and young adults need to prepare them for what lies ahead.

This is the foundation for the decision we have made. We do respect the fact that the leadership of the church is trying to save parents the hardship of higher tuition bills due to a unionized faculty. However, we do not feel that we need to be saved from the union.

Why are the teachers now to be perceived as the enemy in the restructuring of the Catholic school system in our diocese? Will a Catholic education become too expensive due to the high demands of these teachers? We do not perceive these dedicated individuals as the enemy, nor has it been our experience that they have made high demands in the past.

We believe that the teachers should be able to decide for themselves on how they will be represented. They deserve a fair wage and appropriate benefits. History has shown that they have negotiated in good faith. Our faith is in them.

We will entrust the education of our child to them. We support the teachers 100 percent in their efforts and encourage you to do the same.

John and Susan Rose
Wilkes-Barre

"Bishop can get himself out of corner by letting teachers vote yes or no on union"

From the Wilkes-Barre Citizens' Voice, March 18, 2008
by Paul Golias, retired managing editor.

Bishop Joseph Martino has painted himself into a corner. By repeatedly stating that his decision not to recognize a teachers' union as collective bargaining representative is "final, " he has closed the door to a graceful, peaceful, fair and honorable solution to the impasse over that decision. It may be final to the bishop, but his flock is in pain.

There is a way out of this mess.

This humble suggestion comes from one who served on or chaired grievance, arbitration and contract negotiation committees on both sides of the table. As a young journalist, I served those roles in the union to which I belonged, and later in my career I did the same as part of management teams. Hopefully, these bona fides give weight to this idea.

Experience tells us that "final" offers often are tweaked or even set aside in order to achieve an agreement. This takes some courage, but a successor to the apostles should be courageous.

In his arguments in the diocesan newspaper and in letters to parents of Catholic school children, the bishop cited the total number of teachers, more than 700, and the number he says were members of the teachers' union, 200 or so.

Let's have a vote, conducted by the National Labor Relations Board or some other independent non-involved agency. Let every teacher indicate whether or not he or she wishes to have the Scranton Diocese Association of Catholic Teachers represent them in collective bargaining.

This is a fundamental right. It is or should be a more profound right in the church than in the secular world because popes, bishops' conferences and theologians have repeatedly spoken to that right.

If the teachers vote for a union, Bishop Martino should set aside his "final" decision. Negotiations should begin immediately. If Bishop Martino wants to bargain tough, he can bargain tough. But he should engage in good-faith bargaining that can only happen in a true labor-management context, not in a company union-management setup.

If the teachers vote "no union," this issue is resolved.

The Catholic Church has a hierarchical structure. The pope has the final say in the universal church; bishops are the final arbiters in dioceses, and priests run their parishes. But there are ongoing democratic actions withing the church too, and it is in these actions that Bishop Martino may find the strength to set aside his "final" decision.

Eligible cardinals go into conclave and vote to elect the next pope. Conferences of bishops vote on all kinds of reports and issues. Oriental Rites elect bishops and submit the names to the pope for approval. Religious orders elect superiors, abbots and other leaders. Lay organizations in parishes elect officers and vote on contributions to parishes, charities, special projects and the like. There is a collegiality in all of these decisions, and out of that bond of togetherness emerges a stronger church. Even those on the losing end of votes feel united in what they have been taught is the Truth of One Body.

Only Bishop Martino can open the door that will gather his flock, and the wider community, together again.

He must act quickly to alleviate the hurt and sense of betrayal that people feel.

How sad that many people in the polarized diocese are looking to the Apostolic Nuncio or Pope Benedict XVI for the "final" resolution.

Of parents, parades and politics, by Times Leader columnist, Mark Guydish

Monday March 17, 2008 06:43 PM

Mark Guydish mguydish@timesleader.com in Education

It felt odd, even unseemly, to see a mass of parents and supporters marching in Wilkes-Barre's St. Pat's Parade to support Catholic teacher unionization.

The new group - Parents Supporting SDACT (Scranton Diocese Association of Catholic Teachers) deserves a lot of praise for pulling together such a big contingent on relatively short notice. The intent was to make it clear there's plenty of community support of the Association's efforts to unionize Catholic school teachers (or at least to let them vote on it). The sheer size of the crowd, almost without a doubt the largest contingent in the parade by a large number, made that intent successful.

Since Bishop Joseph Martino has said emphatically that the rejection of unions is final and irrevocable, the only hope the union has is to convince him to reconsider, and public pressure is one tool in the box for that project.

Yet on first blush, this struck me not only as a poor fit, but possibly an intrusion. What, exactly, do union supporters have to do with St. Patrick celebrations? Doesn't this politicize an event that feels very apolitical (you know, once a year "everybody's Irish!" Is it downbeat in an upbeat event?

But of course, such complaints don't really hold water. Politics are drawn to parades like bees to pollen. Hillary O'Clinton's march in Scranton's parade Saturday is just the most glaring example. Every parade has its U.S. and State congress folk, its mayors and council people, its county officials. They ain't there cause they look great in green, they come seeking the alchemy that converts public exposure to votes on the ballot.

Every parade marries money to community celebration. Most entrants opt in precisely to sell their stuff. This one had two Mr. Peanuts, balloons sponsored by three separate companies (including the Times Leader, but the saga of how that idea never got fully off the ground is not for this space at this time ), and a plethora of organizations you could join as long as your money is as green as the day's beer (dance schools, radio stations, phone companies, roller derby teams looking to enlarge crowds... the list is long).

Even the idea of welding causes to the entertainment is far from new. The Shriners always come through with something (Those little funny cars this time, and their big purpose is helping wee sick kids. This parade included some reps looking for construction of a skate park, lots of age groups of boy and girl scouts, and some Rugby players looking ... well, I'm betting they wanted people to know there are Rugby players in the valley.

Heck, if anything, the union-supporting parents could lay a tighter claim on the day. It is a Catholic-spawned celebration, no? And the union's claim all along has been that the Catholic church has staunchly supported organized labor for more than 100 years.

The group was polite and respectful, paramount goals voiced by Sharon Hourigan, one of the organizers. Their numbers gave heft to their effort while silence made sure they didn't weigh the parade down. (I wish I could say the same for the one rock band on a flatbed truck that had the amps cranked up enough to make ears ache).

And while it may seem as much stunt as statement, it raises an interesting question.
Could Martino, given the same amount of time, have mustered a similar contingent willing to publicly march in support of his decision?

IDEAS FOR REFLECTION

"The Vatican reflects on its mortal sins of the modern age"

2005 - Deus Caritas Est: God’s Love For Us

“A just society must be the achievement of politics, not of the Church. Yet the promotion of justice through efforts to bring about openness of mind and will to the demands of the common good is something which concerns the Church deeply. “

Pope Benedict XVI

November, 2007. Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship:
A Call to Political Responsibility from the Catholic Bishops of the United States

Dignity of Work and the Rights of Workers

"Employers contribute to the common good through the services or products they provide and by creating jobs that uphold the dignity and rights of workers—to productive work, to decent and just wages, to adequate benefits and security in their old age, to the choice of whether to organize and join unions, to the opportunity for legal status for immigrant workers, to private property, and to economic initiative."

SDACT CHEERED ON BY CROWD AT ST. PATRICK'S DAY PARADE

FROM THE WILKES-BARRE CITIZENS' VOICE, MARCH 17, 2008

Members of newly formed Parents Supporting SDACT march in parade

BY ELIZABETH SKRAPITS
STAFF WRITER
03/17/2008

WILKES-BARRE — They didn’t have balloons or a fancy float, but supporters of the Scranton Diocese Association of Catholic Teachers attracted a lot of attention at Wilkes-Barre’s annual St. Patrick’s Day parade on Sunday.


They ranged in age from retired seniors to 5-year-old Luke Sullivan, who snuggled beneath red blankets in a wagon pulled by his father, Bob Sullivan of Wilkes-Barre.

The wagon sported a sign stating, “I love my Catholic school teacher.” Luke, a kindergartner at St. Nicholas School, really feels that way — and so do his parents, Bob Sullivan said.

“The teachers deserve what they can get as far as working conditions go,” he said.

The Sullivans were among more than 150 Catholic school alumni, parents, teachers and students who braved the chilly weather to march.

“We’re hoping to be the biggest contingent in the parade,” SDACT president Michael Milz said as participants gathered in the former Eckerd drugstore parking lot at South Main and Ross streets at 1:30 p.m. to prepare. Several people carried posters; all wore “I Support SDACT” buttons.

The marchers, some of whom represented schools in Scranton and Honesdale, generally got a highly positive response from the spectators lining South Main Street and Public Square in Wilkes-Barre.

Teachers appreciate the community response, Milz said, calling it “humbling.”

“I can assure you, none of us have been coerced by the union to be here,” said parent Sharon Hourigan, one of the organizers.

Frustration at the diocese’s refusal to recognize the teachers union led parents to see what they could do to help. They turned out by the hundreds at a meeting on March 8, after which “Parents Supporting the SDACT” was formed.

“People have been asking what they can do, how they can show their support, and we thought this was a good venue,” Hourigan said of the parade. “We’re hoping people see the large amount of support we have, and it will give them the courage to stand up.

”The Diocese of Scranton announced in January it would not recognize the union, instead implementing an employee relations program.

The diocese issued a statement Thursday, in response to Holy Cross High School teachers’ sick-out planned for the next day. It said, in part: “The tactics of SDACT’s leaders will not benefit anyone, and they will not succeed. SDACT will not be recognized, and this decision is final. A majority of the schools were represented at Thursday’s meeting of the Employee Relations Program, and the implementation of this program will continue.

”Milz said SDACT is still hoping Bishop Joseph Martino will see the community’s reaction and realize how strongly it disagrees with his decision.

“These people aren’t here because they’re big union backers. They’re believers in Catholic education and the role we play in it,” Milz said.Independently, Hourigan confirmed Milz’ words.

“It should be clear this is not about money,” she said.

eskrapits@citizensvoice.com, 570-821-2072
©The Citizens Voice 2008

SDACT CAMPAIGN UPDATES FOR MARCH 16, 2008

Below are links to the latest media postings connected to SDACT's ongoing campaign for justice and dignity for our Diocesan lay teachers.

Letter to the editor:

Ignoring the facts

FYI

The Association of Vatican Lay Workers (ADLV) is the sole trade union in Vatican City. It represents the majority of the 3000 employees who work in the city state. The ADLV was formed in 1985 and was recognised by the Vatican authorities in 1993. The first ever strike in the Vatican was organized by the ADLV in 1988. The ADLV is affiliated to the International Trade Union Confederation.

References
(2005) in ICTUR et al,: Trade Unions of the World, 6th, London, UK: John Harper Publishing. ISBN 0-9543811-5-7.

From the Catechism of the Catholic Church
The Dignity of Work and the Rights of Workers

“The economy must serve people, not the other way around. Work is more than a way to make a living; it is a form of continuing participation in God’s creation. If the dignity of work is to be protected, then the basic rights of workers must be respected – the right to productive work, to decent and fair wages, to organize and join unions, to private property, and to economic initiative.”

SDACT CAMPAIGN UPDATES FOR MARCH 15, 2008

JOIN THE SDACT SUPPORT CONTINGENT IN WILKES-BARRE'S

ST. PATRICK'S DAY PARADE

Below are links to the latest newspaper reports connected to SDACT's ongoing campaign for justice and dignity for our Diocesan lay teachers.

Wilkes-Barre Citizens' Voice

Sick-out closes diocese schools; Redeemer teachers picket

Parents supporting teachers to march in W-B parade

Wilkes-Barre Times Leader Extracurricular protest

Scranton Times-Tribune Teachers who aren’t ‘sick’ picket

1981 - Papal Encyclical Laborem Exercens: On Human Work

"In a sense, unions go back to the medieval guilds . . . Their task is to defend the existential interests of workers in all sectors in which their rights are concerned. The experience of history teaches that organizations of this type are an indispensable element of social life, especially in modern industrialized societies. Obviously, this does not mean that only industrial workers can set up associations of this type. Representatives of every profession can use them to ensure their own rights. Thus there are unions of agricultural workers and of whitecollar workers; there are also employers' associations. All, as has been said above, are further divided into groups or subgroups according to particular professional specializations."

Pope John Paul II

SDACT CAMPAIGN UPDATES FOR MARCH 14, 2008

Today, members of the Scranton Diocese Association of Catholic Teachers conducted a sick-out at Holy Cross High School in Scranton/Dunmore. It is part of SDACT’s direct action campaign to call attention to the Scranton Diocese’s refusal to allow the teachers their right to form and be represented by the union of their choice. Teachers at Holy Cross High School had been represented by the SDACT for the past thirty years.

This sick out is part of SDACT’s continuing campaign for justice and dignity for Diocesan lay teachers. Since justice is being denied our teachers, we have a right to withhold our labor in protest. Catholic social teaching strongly supports us in that right. In their 1986 Pastoral Letter on the US Economy, the US Catholic bishops stated:

“Unions may also legitimately resort to strikes where this is the only available means to the justice owed to workers. No one may deny the right to organize without attacking human dignity itself. Therefore, we firmly oppose organized efforts, such as those regrettably now seen in this country, to break existing unions and prevent workers from organizing.”

As was the case in Wilkes-Barre two weeks ago, rather than disrupt the educational process at all schools where teachers support the union, we have chosen instead to affect the educational process in one school for one day. The members of the Association regret the inconvenience suffered by the parents due to these actions. Moreover, we apologize to the students for disrupting the educational program in progress.

We continue to make every effort to avoid a general disruption in the educational process. We invite all parents to lend us their support, in both word and deed, because we believe our cause is just and because we believe that their voices would be valuable in promoting a resolution to the current crisis.

Beside today’s action at Holy Cross, SDACT members also be conducted informational picketing at three regional locations – at Holy Redeemer High School in Wilkes-Barre, St. John Neumann High School in Williamsport and at Holy Cross High School Dunmore campus In Dunmore, only SDACT members from nearby elementary schools took part in the picketing. No high school teachers participated. At the other two locations, both regional high school and elementary school teachers picketed.

Below are links to the latest newspaper reports and letters to the editor connected to SDACT's ongoing campaign for justice and dignity for our Diocesan lay teachers.

Wilkes-Barre Citizen's Voice

Catholic teachers plan new ‘sick-outs’

Wilkes-Barre Times Leader

100 show up for pre-dawn picket outside Holy Redeemer

Parents picket, teachers plan sick day

Scranton Times-Tribune

Sickout scrubs classes today

Hazleton Standard Speaker

Catholic teachers back union, president says

Letters to the editor:

O’Reilly grad appreciates years of dedication by teachers

Simple talk can help solve conflict between teachers, diocese

Former student disapproves of bishop’s stance on union

Seeking answers

PARENTS GROUP FORMED TO SUPPORT SDACT CAMPAIGN - MORE PARENT VOLUNTEERS ARE INVITED TO JOIN

The SDACT campaign for justice and dignity for our Catholic lay teachers got a big boost by the formation of a new parents' support group called, appropriately enough, "Parents Supporting the SDACT."

The group has formed following last Sunday's "Diocesan Town Meeting" which was held in Wilkes-Barre and drew a crowd of 750 parents. Many of those in attendance signed up as volunteers to aid our teachers in their struggle for justice. In addition to those at the meeting, others have subsequently offered to lend their support as well.

Sharon Hourigan has stepped to the fore and will act as the coordinator of the new group. She invites all concerned parents throughout the Diocese of Scranton to become members of Parents Supporting the SDACT. Those who would like to do so, or those seeking additional information can contact Sharon at the following email address: slh8993@aol.com.

One of the new group's first activity is to march in the Wilkes-Barre St. Patrick's Day Parade on Sunday, March 16. If you would like to join the marching contingent, come to the assembly point in the parking lot of the old Eckard Pharmacy on the corner of South Main and Ross Streets, at 1:00 PM. There is no parking in the Eckard lot, but you can park in the lot at Holy Redeemer HS which is nearby. On-street parking is also available, but will be limited.

The members of the SDACT are extremely grateful and humbled by this and other shows of support from our wonderful parents. Their support shows us that they know our cause is a just one - that contrary to what has been said of our campaign, it is not about money. Our parents know first hand of our teachers' dedication and the positive impact our union has had on Catholic education in the last thirty years. Finally, they know that should our union's role end, Catholic education will suffer disastrous consequences.

SDACT CAMPAIGN UPDATES FOR MARCH 13, 2008

Below are links to the latest newspaper reports and letters to the editor connected to SDACT's ongoing campaign for justice and dignity for our Diocesan lay teachers.

Scranton Times-Tribune

THIS MORNING

Wilkes-Barre Times Leader

Informational picket set for teachers

Letters to the editor:

Catholic teachers deserve right to choose bargainers

SDACT CAMPAIGN UPDATES FOR MARCH 12, 2008

Below are links to the latest letters to the editor connected to SDACT's ongoing campaign for justice and dignity for our lay teachers.

Follow Father Sullivan’s advice and open teacher/bishop dialogue

Catholic school teachers have every right to negotiate wages



Diocese out of step

Editor:

For 40 years it has been my privilege and pleasure to teach religious studies in a Catholic university. As a practicing Catholic and as an educator, the Catholic Church’s teachings on social justice and human rights have consistently been a source of pride and inspiration to me.

Over the years, I’ve taken every opportunity to gladly share these principles with my students and with others. So when I see one of these basic human rights being ignored by the Diocese of Scranton, I feel the need to express my views, which I believe reflect the views of a growing number of Catholics who feel that the Catholic Church in the Scranton Diocese is not living up to one of its own teachings, namely, the right to unionize.

To be more specific, in November, a document, “Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship,” was published by the Catholic bishops of the United States. It is intended to be read widely by Catholics during the upcoming election year so that they can become better informed as they prepare to vote. The document draws heavily upon the rich and long-standing social justice teachings of the Catholic Church, including a passage that appears under the heading, “Dignity of Work and the Rights of Workers.” It reads: “Employers contribute to the common good through the services or products they provide and by creating jobs that uphold the dignity and rights of workers — to productive work, to decent and just wages, to adequate benefits and security in their old age, to the choice of whether to organize and join unions . . .”

Is not the Catholic Church an employer when it comes to Catholic schools, and, by its own words, must it not, if it is to remain true to its own principles of social justice, allow its teachers the choice of whether or not to organize and join a union? This is not the first church document to recognize the rights of workers. Since 1891, with the publication of “Rerum Novarum,” these rights have been affirmed time and again not only in documents from the Vatican but from our own Catholic bishops in the United States.

It seems that the diocese is not only out of step with the teachings of the church regarding the right of workers to organize and join unions, but also with a majority of the American bishops who approved the 2007 statement mentioned above. I respectfully urge Bishop Joseph Martino to begin a process of negotiation and reconciliation that can hopefully lead to a resolution of the union question that is acceptable to all parties.

JOHN R. ZAUMS, PH.D.
CLARKS SUMMIT

SDACT CAMPAIGN UPDATES FOR MARCH 11, 2008

PARENTS TO MARCH IN ST. PATRICK'S DAY PARADE

Parents who support SDACT's campaign for dignity and justice will form a contingent to march in Wilkes-Barre's St. Patrick's Day parade on Sunday, March 16. We hope all who support our efforts will either join the contingent or be there to cheer them on. SDACT thanks our wonderfully supportive parents for all that they are doing to assist our campaign.

Below are links to the latest newspaper editorials and letters to the editor connected to SDACT's ongoing campaign

Wilkes-Barre Ctizen'sVoice Editorial, March 11, 2008

Bishop should be flexible on teachers union

Letters to the Editor

Bishop’s treatment of teachers goes against policy of church

Mutual disrespect

SDACT PRESIDENT PRESENTS UNION'S CASE ON "YOU BE THE JUDGE"

SDACT President, Mike Milz, appeared on the TV broadcast of "You Be The Judge." Mike spoke to Atty. Jerry Langan about SDACT's campaign for justice and dignity. Click on the following link to view the show: http://media.myfoxnepa.com/special/ybtj.html and watch the video window labeled "You Be The Judge: Week of March 10, 2008.

HUNDREDS OF PARENTS ORGANIZE BEHIND SDACT CAMPAIGN

Hundreds of parents from across the Diocese gathered at the Genetti Hotel in Wilkes-Barre on Sunday, March 9. Sponsored by a group of concerned parents, SDACT was invited to present information on the current crisis affecting not only our Diocese, but the greater community as well. Following the union's presentation, virtually all parents in attendance pledged their support of the union's campaign for dignity and justice. They have pledged to move forward using a variety of tactics to help the union with its campaign. We thank again those responsible for yesterdsay's gathering.

Below are links to the latest newspaper reports, editorials and letters to the editor connected to SDACT's ongoing campaign for justice and dignity for our Diocesan lay teachers.

Wilkes-Barre Times Leader, March 10, 2008

More than 600 attend meeting to hear diocese union

Union states case to parents

Scranton Times Tribune, March 10, 2008

SDACT backers crowd meeting with power point

Wilkes-Barre Citizen's Voice, March 10, 2008

Support grows for Catholic teachers

Bishop Hoban alumni using Facebook


Letters to the Editor

Clear message

More News

SDACT CAMPAIGN UPDATES FOR MARCH 9, 2008

Below are links to the latest newspaper reports, editorials and letters to the editor connected to SDACT's ongoing campaign for justice and dignity for our Diocesan lay teachers. We ask that you take particular note of the editorial in today's Scranton Times-Tribune newspaper.

6:30 PM - New posting : Wilkes-Barre Times Leader, March 9, 2008

More than 600 attend meeting to hear diocese union

Scranton Times-Tribune, March 9, 2008

Students do time for teachers

Wilkes-Barre Times Leader, March 9, 2008

Teachers, diocese spar on Web

Wilkes-Barre Citizen's Voice, March 9, 2008

Redeemer students attend detention for walkout

Scranton Times-Tribune Editorial

Catholic teachers aren’t Teamsters

Letters to the editor:

Backs teachers

Mike Milz will be presenting SDACT's case before the public on the TV show “You Be the Judge.” The show will air at 11:30 AM on Sunday, March 9, on the local Fox affiliate (WOLF TV CH 56). Check your cable guide for the channel in your area.

DIOCESAN "TOWN MEETING" ON SDACT RIGHT TO ORGANIZE

DATE: SUNDAY, MARCH 9, 2008
TIME: 2:00-4:00 PM
PLACE: GENETTI'S HOTEL, WILKES-BARRE

SDACT RESPONSE TO DIOCESAN STATEMENT OF "MISINFORMATION"

See today's media coverage connected to the post below:

Wilkes-Barre Citizen's Voice

Diocese strikes back at union

Scranton Times-Tribune

Diocese answers union’s claims

Yesterday, the Diocese released for insertion in this Sunday's bulletin a leaflet entitled: "Facts Regarding False Accusations Made by Scranton Diocese Association of Catholic Teachers."

Last week we were told that missives such as this constitute "dialogue." It is only fair then that we too speak our mind. So here goes point by point:

"SDACT Accusation: The Diocese of Scranton has acted in violation of Church teaching on unions; especially the 1891 encyclical of Pope Leo XIII entitled Rerum Novarum. (On Capital and Labor)
Fact: Rerum Novarum shows no objection to programs such as the diocesan Employee Relations Program. Paragraph 49 reads, '...it is most clearly necessary that workers' associations be adapted to meet the present need. It is gratifying that societies of this kind composed of either workers alone or of workers and employers together are being formed everywhere, and it is truly to be desired that they grow in number and in active vigor.' Neither the civil law nor the Canon Law of the Catholic Church require the recognition of unions in Catholic schools. A union, then, is not required, essential or mandated."

SDACT Response:

Rerum Novarum was only the first of many labor encyclicals put out by the Church, but in no way was it the last word on the right to found labor unions that rise from the desire of the workers. Without going year by year and encyclical by encylical or through various statements made by several conferences of US Catholic bishops, here is what current official Scranton Diocesan School Policy #417 has to say on the issue:

"Catholic social teaching strongly supports the rights of lay teachers to organize and to bargain collectively. A corollary of the right of lay teachers to organize is the right which they possess to determine the agency or organization which is to represent them in the collective bargaining process. Catholic lay teachers also have the right to free elections, full negotiations, mediation, conciliation and similar services under the auspices of a neutral body."

Secondly, this is what Pope John Paul II had to say in his encyclical, Laborem Exercens:

"In a sense, unions go back to the medieval guilds . . . Their task is to defend the existential interests of workers in all sectors in which their rights are concerned. The experience of history teaches that organizations of this type are an indispensable element of social life, especially in modern industrialized societies. Obviously, this does not mean that only industrial workers can set up associations of this type. Representatives of every profession can use them to ensure their own rights. Thus there are unions of agricultural workers and of white-collar workers; there are also employers' associations. All, as has been said above, are further divided into groups or subgroups according to particular professional specializations."

For more on the Church and labor, we suggest you view the website "The Catholic Labor Page." ,and then you be the judge.


"SDACT Accusation: By not recognizing SDACT, the Diocese of Scranton is now out of the Catholic mainstream. Moreover, contrary to the above citation from Rerum Novarum, SDACT claims that a union is "the only real representation that provides for justice and dignity for workers anywhere."
Fact: Not every diocese has a union in its Catholic schools. In Pennsylvania alone, where unions have a long history in secular employment, teachers laboring in the dioceses of Harrisburg and Erie are not unionized. Other dioceses in the nation do not have unions. Are all of them violating Catholic teaching? Are they denying justice and dignity to their workers? While unions are appropriate in some situations, they are not the only means to achieve justice for workers.
By establishing the Employee Relations Program, the Diocese of Scranton has shown a commitment to Catholic social teaching consonant with other Catholic dioceses in Pennsylvania and the nation as a whole."

SDACT Response: Six of Pennsylvania's eight dioceses have unions. And to answer the question posed above. If an employer anywhere is denying teachers or other workers the right to freely formed labor unions to represent them, then "yes" they are denying justice and dignity to their workers as well. If the workers do no want a union, and that too is their free choice, then so be it.

"SDACT Accusation: Teachers in Diocesan Catholic schools are grossly underpaid. Although money is not their primary aim, they need a union to ensure they are paid a "living wage."

Fact: On February 28, classes at Holy Redeemer High School in Wilkes-Barre had to be cancelled because a majority of the teachers refused to report for work. The average salary for the 67 full-time teachers at Holy Redeemer is $49,100. This does not include administrators. Salaries for teachers range from $23,400 to $61,465. The various salary ranges and the number of teachers in each range are:
15 teachers: $60,000 - $70,000
15 teachers: $50,000 - $60,000
20 teachers: $40,000 - $50,000
11 teachers: $30,000 - $40,000
6 teachers: $20,000 - $30,000 (these are first- and second-year
teachers)
These figures do not include health care benefits, which total $536,946.
This is the amount paid by the Diocese; it does not include the employee contribution. In addition, children of Holy Redeemer teachers who attend Catholic schools are receiving free tuition totaling $146,000."

SDACT RESPONSE: First, we make no apologies for what our teachers earn. Even those at the top of the scale fall far behind others in the teaching profession. Moreover, those who have reached the top have done so after no less than 37 years, and with advanced degrees (at least two have PhD's). Were these public school teachers, they would have been long since retired, but lack of sufficient pension neccesitates otherwise. Moreover, cited are only the salaries at Holy Redeemer. Salaries elsewhere in the Diocese are considerably lower.

"SDACT Accusation: The Diocese has hired a 'union busting' firm, and/or used anti-union websites, to help shape its personnel practices.
Fact: The Diocese has not hired a 'union busting' firm, nor used anti-union websites or other such resources. The Diocese does consult with a Wilkes-Barre law firm specializing in labor relations, just as SDACT consults with a Philadelphia law firm with expertise in this area of the law."

SDACT RESPONSE: If it walks like a duck and quacks like a duck, it is still a duck (it does not have to be a specialized duck). In any case, this was not our charge but that of experts in the field of labor relations. Go to the following link for a related story;"Expert: Bishop’s message anti-union"

"SDACT Accusation: The Diocesan Employee Relations Program is a sham, and representatives on the program's Employee Councils were hand picked by the Diocese or the school administrations, or somehow were coerced into participating.
Fact: Representatives for the Employee Councils were chosen by their peers. Each school was instructed to conduct a secret ballot election to accomplish this. The Employee Relations Program covers teachers as well as support staff such as aides, administrators, office staff, cafeteria staff and maintenance personnel. The program involves the formation of Employee Councils, Wage and Benefit Committees, Health Care Sub-Committees and Grievance Committees for each of the four regional school systems that were established last year in the restructuring of Diocesan Catholic schools."

SDACT RESPONSE: We have already addressed this issue above, but we'll say it again. Not being freely chosen and established by workers themselves, this type of company union can never have legitimacy. It would be an illegal creation in any other workplace in America.

"SDACT Accusation: When Bishop Martino stated in a letter published in local newspapers that 'This association's leaders have reasons based on self-interest for wanting to retain their role in some of our schools,'SDACT President Michael Milz charged that this was a 'despicable'
union-busting tactic. In a subsequent letter to the Bishop, Mr. Milz claimed that 'We do not request recognition out of greed or avarice...'
Fact: Prior to the decision regarding its recognition, SDACT's dues-paying membership had significantly declined from 282 in 2001 to 219 in 2007. There are currently 713 lay teachers employed in the Diocese of Scranton. Despite the 63-person reduction in membership, SDACT's leadership received the following annual stipends:Michael Milz, as executive vice president of National Association of Catholic Schools Teachers: $25,660,Michael Milz, as president of SDACT: $12,872, Jim Lynch, as vice president of SDACT: $5,000
(Source: Form LM-3 Labor Organization Annual Report, U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Labor-Management Standards, as of Dec. 31, 2006 - the most recent period for which data is available.)"

SDACT RESPONSE: "Yes it is dispicable to characterize the motives of our officers as motivated by self-interest, and now by allusion to greed and avarice, as well. (Moreover, the use of "we," cited above, was in reference to all of our teachers, not the union leadership). Stipends for union officers are determined by the elected members of the Association's Executive Board and thus reflect the will of the membership. As noted, those stipends are public record and published yearly by the Labor Department and IRS. Were those officers to return to their second jobs which they gave up years ago to serve the union, they would be substantially better off financially. "Stipend" is indeed the correct term - defined as "small coin or a contribution in small coin." Mike Milz, our Association President, prior to serving in both union roles, which constitute a second-full time job, made more money bartending for far fewer hours than he puts in at present.

Finally, Jim Lynch, Association Vice-President, is set for retirement at the end of the present school year. President Milz, is following close behind. The current campaign, as every teacher and parent knows, has nothing to do with their self-interest and continuing to receive their stipends. They are both concerned only with the future of Catholic education and the welfare of those who will follow in their footsteps.

SDACT CAMPAIGN UPDATES FOR MARCH 7, 2008

Below are links to the latest newspaper reports, editorials and letters to the editor connected to SDACT's ongoing campaign for justice and dignity for our Diocesan lay teachers.

Wilkes-Barre Citizen's Voice, March 7, 2008, Page 1:

Diocesan teachers union eyes arena as setting for rally

Laflin resident’s frustration with Catholic Church prompts him to host meeting

Scranton Times-Tribune, March 7, 2008, Page 3:

Catholic school teachers say they won’t back down

Man seeks backers for change in diocese

Towanda Daily & Sunday Review, March 7, 2008

Teachers' union says it won't give up

Wilkes-Barre Times Leader, March 7, 2008

Diocese takes aim at union effort

Letters to the editor:

Teachers in Catholic schools provide education and example

Bishop’s arguments for excluding union just don’t add up

Teacher quality vital

SDACT CAMPAIGN UPDATES FOR MARCH 6, 2008

7:30 PM - New posting : Wilkes-Barre Times Leader, March 6, 2008

Diocese, union trade salvos on the Web

12:00 PM - JUST IN: Click here for a new statement from the Diocesan schools office regarding the next meeting of the Diocesan company union. Although the statement is new, nonetheless, there is nothing new in the Diocese's position.
http://www.dioceseofscranton.org/News/EmployeeRelationsMarch%206,%202008.asp

However, the statement does contain the truthful acknowledgement that, "This program (the company union) is the format for regular dialogue between the Diocese and school employees, and it is the means chosen by Bishop Martino to communicate with his teachers and to ensure their fair treatment."

Once again, we must remark, the only real representation that provides for justice and dignity for workers anywhere is representation which arises from the workers themselves and is freely-chosen by them to be such a vehicle. This is the nexus of the dispute. Until that issue is addressed, there can never be fair treatment for our teachers or any other group of employees.

The statement also addresses disruptions to the educational process. At a meeting sponsored by concerned parents across the Diocese, set for this Sunday, parents will have the opportunity to dialogue directly with teachers about their concerns. We will allow those parents the opportunity to make up their own minds, if they haven't already, where the "responsibility" for any potential disruption lies. We think it is quite clear that the SDACT has taken every step to avoid disruption by seeking dialogue with the Diocese for the past year and a half and by asking only for a vote to determine the form of employee representation. We will continue to avoid disruption whenever possible, just as we have consistently avoided disruption of the school process throughout the thirty-year history of our organization.

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Below are links to the latest newspaper reports, editorials and letters to the editor connected to SDACT's ongoing campaign for justice and dignity for our Diocesan lay teachers.

Wilkes-Barre Times Leader, March 6, 2008

Catholics invited to discuss diocese

Scranton Times-Tribune Editorial Cartoon, March 5, 2008


Times Leader Editorial Cartoon, March 2, 2008

Letters to the editor:

Educator and union member dismayed by bishop’s stance

Teacher a bully

TV BROADCASTS TO FEATURE SDACT CAMPAIGN FOR DIGNITY AND JUSTICE

Beginning today, those who get cable TV service through Comcast in Scranton can view the March 5 taping of "Scranton Today." The show features a discussion with SDACT spokesmen, Mike Milz and Jim Lynch, regarding SDACT's campaign for justice and dignity for our lay teachers. It is scheduled to be broadcast several times over the next few weeks on Channels 61 and 62.

You can find the scheduled times of those broadcasts by going to the following links: Channel 61 and Channel 62
In a similar vein, Mike Milz will be presenting SDACT's case before the public on the TV show “You Be the Judge.” The show will air at 11:30 AM on Sunday, March 9, on the local Fox affiliate (WOLF TV CH 56). Check your cable guide for the channel in your area.

SDACT CAMPAIGN UPDATES FOR MARCH 5, 2008

Below are links to the latest newspaper reports, editorials and letters to the editor connected to SDACT's ongoing campaign for justice and dignity for our Diocesan lay teachers.

Scranton Times-Tribune, March 5, 2008:

Catholic school parents, teachers plan meeting

Wilkes-Barre Citizens' Voice, March 5, 2008

Meeting slated on diocesan teachers union

Wilkes-Barre Times Leader, March 5, 2008

Catholic school parents set meeting

Towanda Daily & Sunday Review, March 5, 2008

Parents to meet on battle over union

Letters to the editor:

Congratulations to students; shame on Bishop Martino

Bishop’s actions illustrate why Catholic teachers need union

Below is an editorial from the Wilkes-Barre Times Leader, March 5, 2008

Redeemer groups have something to teach us

View the results of a poll taken by TV Channels 22 and 28 on the question: "Do you think the Scranton Diocese Association of Catholic Teachers should be recognized as a union?"http://pahomepage.com/content/poll/?poll_id=391

DIOCESAN "TOWN MEETING" SCHEDULED FOR MARCH 9

Concerned parents from across the Diocese of Scranton are sponsoring a "Diocesan Town Meeting" to discuss the issue of unionization in the Catholic schools.

All parents of children who are currently enrolled in the schools of the Diocese are invited to attend, particularly those parents in Luzerne, Lackawanna, Lycoming and Bradford counties where the Scranton Diocese Association of Catholic Teachers (SDACT) is seeking recognition as the union to represent teachers in the local schools.

Meeting coordinators are expecting more than a thousand people to attend.

(SDACT) has accepted an invitation from the parents' group to make a presentation and conduct a subsequent question and answer session.

Details on the meeting are as follows:

DATE: SUNDAY, MARCH 9, 2008
TIME: 2:00-4:00 PM
PLACE: GENETTI'S HOTEL, WILKES-BARRE

We hope every member of the Association will be in attendance at this important meeting. Moreover, we urge all of our members to contact parents in your schools. The parents' group has prepared invitations for distribution, but please issue to your parents as many personal invites as you can.

SDACT CAMPAIGN UPDATES FOR MARCH 4, 2008

The Northeastern Pennsylvania Labor Management Council unanimously approved a motion to fully support the SDACT and its right to organize. Click on the link to view the Council's letter:
NPLMC.jpg

Bishop Martino's former teaching colleagues at Bishop Shanahan High School in Downington have sent him a letter asking him to reconsider his postion toward SDACT. Click on the link to view: Shanahan.jpg

Below are links to the latest newspaper reports connected to SDACT's ongoing campaign for justice and dignity for our Diocesan lay teachers.

Wilkes-Barre Citizens' Voice, March 4, 2008

"Scranton Diocese teachers warn students not to disrupt classes"

Wilkes-Barre Times Leader, March 4, 2008:

Teachers thank students, ask them not to walk out again

Scranton Times-Tribune, March 4, 2008:

Teachers ask kids to stay in school

AN OPEN LETTER TO STUDENTS IN THE CATHOLIC SCHOOLS OF THE SCRANTON DIOCESE

Dear Students,

As you know, we your teachers have refrained from discussing with you the current dispute between our teachers’ union and the Diocesan officials in charge of our schools. However, we now must break with that policy to speak to you from the heart about what we hope you will understand is an indication of our concern for you and your future.

First, our teachers regret that circumstances have forced us to begin a series of events that disrupt the progress of the educational system. Although critics will charge that such actions can never be justified, we want you to know that we do this as a measure of last resort. Moreover, the methods we have, and will continue to employ in the short run, will ensure that only some of you will be affected, and only for a short period of time. Although regrettable, we believe our actions are justified because the ideals of justice and dignity are at stake for our teachers. Moreover, in addition, we feel the future of Catholic education for all who follow you will be detrimentally affected, should our union lose its current standing in the schools.

We have and will continue to make the case to your parents that our union, throughout its thirty-year history, has fought for conditions that would make for the best educational climate possible, as well as one that would guarantee all a very high-quality and affordable Catholic education. We cannot abandon such a cause without first trying to convince those who oppose us using whatever means are available. The absolute last option in that process is the withholding of our labor.

We want to thank those of you have embraced our cause as yours. We are moved by your courage and conviction. To those of you who have said you love your teachers, we know that was the case long before this crisis ever arose. We feel the same way about you. With that said, we ask that you honor that concern by heeding the advice we give.

As our campaign continues, we ask that henceforth none of you disobey the administrations’ of your schools and leave your buildings during school time. Even an “orderly” demonstration involves the risk of injury to someone. As you know, we are always concerned about your safety. Moreover, such actions constitute a further disruption of the educational process. At this point in your lives, nothing is more important than your education. We know that you don’t live in a vacuum, and that you are very much aware of the events around you, but we implore you, to stay in your classes.

Finally, should those of you of an older age (and only after discussion with and approval by your parents) wish to support the cause of your teachers, we would welcome such support at rallies, meetings, etc., which are held at times outside of school hours.

Again, we hope you will honor our request in this matter. God bless you and your families and thank you for your support.

Sincerely,

The members of the Scranton Diocese Association of Catholic Teachers

SDACT UPDATE FOR MARCH 3, 2008

The following editorial and letters to the editor regarding the SDACT's campaign for justice and dignity for our lay teachers appered in today's editions of the local press. Please click on the following links to view.

MARK GUYDISH OPINION: Students score high marks as protesters

Bishop complains about disrespect when he has let people down

On bishop’s view on union, our struggles with social sins

Diocese’s stance on teachers adding to church’s problems

SDACT CAMPAIGN FEATURED IN NATIONAL PUBLICATION

US Catholic Magazine, a national publication, has featured the SDACT campaign for justice and dignity in its latest edition.

SDACT CAMPAIGN: THIS WEEK'S GOAL - CONTINUE BUILDING COMMUNITY SUPPORT

Thank you to all the wonderful members of our Diocesan community who have supported the SDACT in its efforts to secure justice and dignity for our dedicated lay teachers. We believe that the past week saw support for that cause grow exponentially.

In particular, we must thank those who braved the cold to walk our informational picket lines in Scranton, Williamsport and Wilkes-Barre. Thank you too to those hundreds of good folks who have written letters to the Bishop and the Papal Nuncio, as well as to the many hundreds more who have signed our petition to the Holy Father. Finally, we must single out Father Pat Sullivan and applaud him for his courage and conviction in publishing his scholarly treatment of the current crisis in our Diocese.

Now, we hope that the week to come will see our support in the community continue to grow. Thus, our primary focus for the week ahead is to meet with as many parents and other supporters as possible to enlist them in our cause.

We have been informed that parent groups are forming in many areas of the Diocese in support of our campaign. One by one, they have asked us what their group can do to aid our cause. This week we will be reaching out to those many groups hopefully to develop a united front. Once unified, a larger organization might accomplish more than what could be done by several smaller groups.

Soon, there will be meetings open to the public at which SDACT will lay out all available information on our activities over the last thirty years. We're confident that when this is done, the public will understand why we believe the Bishop's decision to deny us the right to organize has been based on bad advice about our history. Moreover his characterization of our intentions should recognition of our union be granted is predicated on even worse advice.

Again, a million thanks to all in the community who support our efforts.


Below are links to the latest newspaper reports connected to SDACT's ongoing campaign:

Wilkes-Barre Citizens' Voice, March 2, 2008

Union quiet on next move

Scranton Times-Tribune, March 2, 2008

Catholic teachers union takes a break

Editorials and Letters, March 2, 2008

Diocese’s full-page ad on union suggests it may be time for court to revisit decision

Teachers rate support

An ill wind

Click on the following link to view an editorial in the Canadian publication, Tommorrow's Trust: A Review of Catholic Education, March 2, 2008: http://tomorrowstrust.ca/?p=1578

COMMUNITY SUPPORT GALVANIZES BEHIND SDACT

On February 29, 2008, in a tremendous show of solidarity, SDACT members in every school across the Diocese of Scranton staged informational picketing at three regional sites in Williamsport, Scranton and Wilkes-Barre.

Representatives of organized labor of every sort, as well as public school teachers, parents and grandparents of current and past Catholic school students could all be found shivering together on a very cold day, but their spirits undiminished, determined to voice their support for SDACT's campaign for dignity and justice.

Community support of our cause has galvanized because the entire community, save one man, who is getting bad advice, understands the consequences that without the continuing presence of a union in Catholic education, that system as we have come to know it and appreciate it will cease to exist.

To view several photos from the Times Leader, click the following link: http://www.timesleader.com/news/16119517.html

Below are links to the latest newspaper reports (several in some papers) connected to SDACT's ongoing campaign for justice and dignity for our Diocesan lay teachers.

Wilkes-Barre Times Leader, March 1, 2008:

Students walk out for teachers

Wilkes-Barre Citizens' Voice, March 1, 2008

"Redeemer students, teachers on same page in union battle"

"More News "

‘I know the decision is final’

Scranton Times-Tribune, March 1, 2008:

"Teachers, students brave the cold to support union " with video

"Martino responds"

Towanda Daily & Sunday Review, March 1, 2008

Bishop Martino elaborates on rejection of union stance

Hazleton Standard Speaker, March 1, 2008

Bishop talks teachers’ union

SDACT SPOKESMEN APPEAR ON WYOU INTERACTIVE TV PROGRAM

SDACT spokesmen Mike Milz and Jim Lynch appeared on two segments of the February 29, 2008 WYOU Interactive television program to discuss the ongoing campaing for justice and dignity for Catholic lay teachers.

The 6:00 PM segment can be viewed by going to the following link:

http://pahomepage.com/media_player.php?media_id=13661