Holy Redeemer students plan rally to support teachers

From the Wilkes-Barre Citizens" Voice, April 29, 2008


Holy Redeemer students plan rally to support teachers

Students at Holy Redeemer High School in Wilkes-Barre are planning a rally Wednesday supporting the Catholic teachers’ fight to have their union recognized by the Diocese of Scranton.
The students will meet after classes — approximately 2:50 p.m. — in front of the school on Pennsylvania Avenue. They will walk to Public Square where the rally will take place, then head back to Holy Redeemer, according to student Carl Frank.

“I don’t know how many students are going to get to do it. It might only be 50 people or a lot more,” Frank said.

Students were given word that they are to be respectful during the demonstration, he said.

Anyone interested in supporting the teachers can join the rally or the walk, Frank said. Teachers and parents have also been invited.

Mike Milz, president of the Scranton Diocese Association of Catholic Teachers, believes most of the teachers will attend.

Bishop Joseph Martino issued a statement in January that the teachers union would not be recognized, and the diocese was instead implementing an employee-relations program. The diocese has held firm on its decision, but the union continues to demonstrate. Teachers are still picketing daily in front of the chancery in Scranton, Milz said.