Pocono News Section

Catholic Teachers Union Saga Continues

Catholic Teachers Union Saga Continues - Sunday, March 9, 2008 at 8:49PM EST

Reported by: Laurie Monteforte
Sunday, Mar 9, 2008 @08:49pm EST
WILKES-BARRE - Hundreds of people showed their support Sunday for Catholic teachers who want to unionize. "We simply can't give up without sacrificing our dignity, that's what's at issue here," said union organizer Mike Milz.

Teachers who work at schools in the Scranton Diocese say they have a right to form a union. Parents who wanted to learn more about it organized a town meeting at Genetti's Hotel in Wilkes-Barre.

"I think it's great to know that we have the support of parents behind us and I'm just hoping it will do some good," said teacher Wendy Trenholm.

Union organizers told the crowd thta the Catholic Church supports the right to unionize and that the church's official position is to support teachers unions. But Bishop Joseph Martino has refused to discuss the issue.

Milz said, "We've been willing to talk. We've been willing to compromise but it takes two to tango."

The Bishop took out a newspaper ad in Febriary that said all sides need to talk but he has yet to meet with any teachers or parents. "It's just unbelievable that this Bishop will not sit down and meet with these people. That's all they're asking for," said parent Pat Owens.

This meeting comes after multiple shake ups at Catholic schools in the area. Last month teachers at Holy Redeemer in Wilkes-Barre staged a sick out. Days later dozens of students there walked out to support their teachers.

"We don't want to disrupt the educational system in progress but if that's the last resort we have to go to that resort in order to see that justice prevails," said Milz.

Teachers and parents say they will not stop fighting until Bishop Martino hears them out.

The Scranton Diocese did not return calls to comment on the issue.