Work Stoppage at St. Nick’s/St. Mary’s; Diocese responds

Teachers at St. Nicholas and St. Mary School in Wilkes-Barre will not be reporting to class tomorrow, Thursday, March 27. This is the latest attempt by the SDACT for recognition as a bargaining unit on behalf of the teachers. As expected, diocesan officials quickly posted a response to the teacher’s actions on their website. The rhetoric used to condemn the teachers, as well as the parents and students supporting them, is disconcerting.

Highlights from the release:

“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.”

I have nothing more to say.

Redeemer students get high marks

“Classy.” That’s how the editors at the Times-Leader described the behavior of Holy Redeemer students throughout their pro-union demonstration. In another article, columnist Mark Guydish wrote that their actions demonstrated the ideals of “Independent thought tempered with courtesy, passionate conviction weighted with pragmatism, depth of understanding expressed with eloquence, leadership grounded in humility.” The word is getting out about Catholic school students. Stories like this make it all the more clear that a Catholic education is definitely worth the current struggle.

Congratulations, Holy Redeemer students, for your loyalty, determination and exemplary behavior. We are proud of you.

Diocesan Town Meeting Set for Sunday

A Diocesan “Town Meeting” has been set for Sunday, March 9 at Genetti’s Hotel in Downtown Wilkes-Barre from 2:00-4:00 PM. A group of Catholic school parents have arranged for the meeting and have invited representatives of the Scranton Diocese Association of Catholic Teachers to make their case for unionization, as well as to answer any questions posed by attendees. Parents of students enrolled in diocesan schools are strongly encouraged to attend.