John Mitchell Day

(Photo L to R: Mike Milz. SDACT President; Rev. Patrick Sullivan, C.S.C.; Sam Bianco, President, Greater Wilkes-Barre Central Labor Council; Dan Bass, UMWA International Representative; Bill Godinas, President, UMWA Local 404.)

Today, representatives of the SDACT were privileged to take part in the annual John Mitchell Day ceremonies on Courthouse Square in Scranton, where each year the United Mine Workers of America (UMWA) lays a wreath and conducts a program in memory and tribute to the man who is essentially the founder of the modern American labor movement.

For those that do not know the history, the victorious struggle of Mitchell and his miners in the famous anthracite coal strike of 1902 would not have been possible without the support of the Catholic church and its local bishop, Michael Hoban.

To honor this proud connection between the Church and Labor, in past years this ceremony was preceded by a Mass in Scranton's cathedral and celebrated by the current Diocesan bishop.

However, no Mass was held this year.

Out of respect for Mitchell's memory, it was determined that it would have been inappropriate for Bishop Martino, a notorious union-buster and enemy of the rights of working people, to be the celebrant.

Since January 24, when Bishop Martino announced his decision to "bust" the SDACT, out in Cathedral Cemetery old John Mitchell has probably been spinning in his grave non-stop.

Take heart John, once HB 2626 goes into force, you can return to your peaceful rest.