AFL-CIO rips into Scranton diocese over layoff of union chief
The following story appeared in the Scranton Times Tribune, June 11, 2008:
AFL-CIO rips into Scranton diocese over layoff of union chief
The firing of Scranton Diocese Association of Catholic Teachers President Michael Milz is “the most outrageous, shameful and un-American act by the Scranton Diocese, headed by Bishop Joseph Martino,” the president of the Pennsylvania AFL-CIO said in a release Tuesday.
Mr. Milz, along with seven other teachers in the Holy Cross and Holy Redeemer school systems, were informed Monday that because of declining enrollment, they would not be needed for the 2008-09 school year.
State AFL-CIO President William George called the action to Mr. Milz “a challenge to our freedom.”
“We will not let this inhumane and desperate act go unchallenged,” Mr. George said in the statement. “We will do what is necessary to see that justice prevails.”
Meanwhile, the diocese maintains no one was “fired,” and union involvement had no bearing in Mr. Milz, a 34-year diocese employee, being laid off.
“If you believe that, you believe in the Tooth Fairy,” Mr. Milz said Tuesday. “This has been set up since the beginning to eliminate my position.
”Earlier this year, the diocese announced it would not recognize the Scranton Diocese Association of Catholic Teachers as a collective bargaining unit.
Mr. Milz, a social studies teacher at Holy Redeemer High School in Wilkes-Barre, has led the campaign against the decision.
Though Mr. Milz has worked in the diocese for 34 years, he had the least seniority in the social studies department.The same criteria always used to determine layoffs was used again this year, according to the diocese.
According to the diocese, seniority is based on years of continuous service in the diocese and applies to position in geographic school systems, within secondary and elementary systems, and within specific fields.
Teachers are also required to meet certain criteria, including the completion of theological courses, state certification and having a pastor’s letter confirming that the teacher is a practicing Catholic and in full communion with the church. If not Catholic, teachers must have letters from appropriate representatives of their faiths.
If additional positions are needed due to enrollment increases, teachers who have been laid off will receive first consideration for these openings, according to the diocese.
Mr. Milz will continue to campaign for recognition of the union, although he won’t be employed by the diocese.
“It’s a labor of love,” he said. “It’s the right thing to do. I knew this was bound to happen, but I wouldn’t change a thing.”
AFL-CIO rips into Scranton diocese over layoff of union chief
The firing of Scranton Diocese Association of Catholic Teachers President Michael Milz is “the most outrageous, shameful and un-American act by the Scranton Diocese, headed by Bishop Joseph Martino,” the president of the Pennsylvania AFL-CIO said in a release Tuesday.
Mr. Milz, along with seven other teachers in the Holy Cross and Holy Redeemer school systems, were informed Monday that because of declining enrollment, they would not be needed for the 2008-09 school year.
State AFL-CIO President William George called the action to Mr. Milz “a challenge to our freedom.”
“We will not let this inhumane and desperate act go unchallenged,” Mr. George said in the statement. “We will do what is necessary to see that justice prevails.”
Meanwhile, the diocese maintains no one was “fired,” and union involvement had no bearing in Mr. Milz, a 34-year diocese employee, being laid off.
“If you believe that, you believe in the Tooth Fairy,” Mr. Milz said Tuesday. “This has been set up since the beginning to eliminate my position.
”Earlier this year, the diocese announced it would not recognize the Scranton Diocese Association of Catholic Teachers as a collective bargaining unit.
Mr. Milz, a social studies teacher at Holy Redeemer High School in Wilkes-Barre, has led the campaign against the decision.
Though Mr. Milz has worked in the diocese for 34 years, he had the least seniority in the social studies department.The same criteria always used to determine layoffs was used again this year, according to the diocese.
According to the diocese, seniority is based on years of continuous service in the diocese and applies to position in geographic school systems, within secondary and elementary systems, and within specific fields.
Teachers are also required to meet certain criteria, including the completion of theological courses, state certification and having a pastor’s letter confirming that the teacher is a practicing Catholic and in full communion with the church. If not Catholic, teachers must have letters from appropriate representatives of their faiths.
If additional positions are needed due to enrollment increases, teachers who have been laid off will receive first consideration for these openings, according to the diocese.
Mr. Milz will continue to campaign for recognition of the union, although he won’t be employed by the diocese.
“It’s a labor of love,” he said. “It’s the right thing to do. I knew this was bound to happen, but I wouldn’t change a thing.”
posted by SDACT at
8:33 AM
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