Catholic teachers will picket Scranton Diocese chancery

From the Wilkes-Barre Citizens Voice, April 14, 2008 - Page Two

Catholic teachers will picket Scranton Diocese chancery

Catholic school teachers, frustrated with the Diocese of Scranton’s refusal to recognize their union, kick off a “permanent picket” at diocesan offices today.

Scranton Diocese Association of Catholic Teachers will be in front of the diocese’s Chancery building, 300 Wyoming Ave., Scranton, from 3 to 5 p.m. At least 200 people are expected, according to union President Mike Milz.

After Monday’s demonstration, teachers will take turns doing the duty, he said.

“We’re going to picket every day, for varied times at varied lengths,” Milz said. “At least once a day, somebody will be picketing in front of the chancery.

”The building contains the diocese’s main offices. Bishop Joseph F. Martino is headquartered there.

“That’s the logical place to set up,” Milz said.

The diocese announced in January it would not recognize the Scranton Diocese Association of Catholic Teachers as a collective bargaining unit, but instead was starting an employee relations program. Statements from the diocese have repeatedly stressed that the decision is final.

Scranton Diocese Association of Catholic Teachers appealed the diocese’s decision to the Congregation for Catholic Education, and is awaiting word from the Vatican office on whether it can be overturned.

In the meantime, union supporters will continue their campaign for union recognition, including making a bus trip to demonstrate during the visit of Pope Benedict XVI to St. Joseph’s Seminary in Yonkers, N.Y., on April 19.

Milz said the union is trying to build coalitions with people who have similar problems with Martino. There is considerable criticism for many things he has done — particularly closing churches and schools — and opposition to his management style and his refusal to have dialogue with people, Milz said.

Follow this link for a similar story in the Scranton Times Tribune, April 14, 2008.