Pocono News Section

Catholic Teachers Association: 'Ready To Turn Up Heat'

Catholic Teachers Association: 'Ready To Turn Up Heat' - Monday, February 4, 2008 at 11:25PM EST

Reported by: Joe Holden
Monday, Feb 4, 2008 @11:25pm EST

PITTSTON, LUZERNE COUNTY- More than 200 Catholic school teachers met in a closed session to discuss their next move in what's an escalating dispute with diocesan leaders over the imposition of a labor relations committee. Since the school system was restructured several months ago, the diocese has not recognized the teachers' union, the Scranton Diocese Association of Catholic Teachers. Union organizers call it a "travesty."

"We may have to turn up the discomfort level," union president Michael Milz told WBRE News. Milz says teachers are ready to elevate pressure against the diocese and its leaders in hopes of ending the dispute.

"The church tells us we have a right to choose our representation, not to have it imposed on us as they're trying to do," Milz said.

The diocese has moved forward with a plan to implement an internal employee relations program. It will reportedly address and mitigate labor issues, according to several statements. Church leaders have declined on-camera interviews.

WBRE News found support in the community for teachers and their union.

"The teachers deserve what they had and what they get. They had a union, they should be allowed to keep a union," Chip Mack of Kingston said.

"There wasn't any strikes or big problems, so I don't know why the bishop is being so hard-nosed about it now. I think he should let them have their representation," Roy Vanwhy of Wilkes-Barre said.

There was no mention of a strike, however union leaders caution they have a wide range of options to address the issue.