Don’t let Bishop Martino intimidate teachers’ union
The following letter to the editor of the Wilkes-Barre Citizens' Voice appeared on February 10, 2009:
Don’t let Bishop Martino intimidate teachers’ union
Editor:
Well it came, another edict from the throne in Scranton: pass a law that fills a loophole and guarantees protection to teachers at religiously affiliated schools and bring an end to Catholic education.
Parents, students, teachers and the faithful in the Diocese of Scranton have endured considerable change in the past year and a half. We have seen schools closed and consolidated, institutions void of their previous identity. In the coming months churches will be closed forever.
And, in a way, it was all inevitable, church attendance is down and allegedly money is “dwindling” in the Diocese. None of this however is an excuse for the actions of Bishop Martino regarding the Scranton Diocese Association of Catholic Teachers.
The Martino “establishment,” including spokesman Bill Genello and superintendent Joseph Casciano, has continually blasted the teachers’ union, saying that its motives are out of greed and selfishness. They have accused the union of intimidation tactics. Unfortunately it appears that when they accuse the union of these things, they are looking in the mirror and watching their own actions reflect back at them.
The fact is that the diocese fired the union president. The diocese has made it known to the faithful that it will eliminate Catholic education if HB 26 passes. That sounds like intimidation to me.
To accuse a Catholic school teacher of being greedy shows, for lack of a better word, ignorance. These teachers make a sacrifice every day to work in Catholic schools. They understand that the Church does not have the financial resources of a public school district. From what I understand pay is not the issue here. The issue is that a man in Scranton will not “lower” himself to speak with the very people he is supposed to protect.
In this scope of protection though, there is no provision for a “father knows best” attitude which emanates from Bishop Martino every time he speaks. He approaches the issue with a tone of arrogance that is undeniable.
My teachers will not give up the fight for justice and equality in the workplace. They are not afraid of you, Bishop Martino, or what can be considered an empty threat.
You know (I would hope) in your heart of hearts what the right and just decision is. The quote often used is “no one can deny the right to organize without attacking human dignity itself.”
I am hopeful that you will reconsider what I and many believe is a serious mistake. For everyone else I encourage you to write to your state legislator to show your support for HB 26. Don’t let the rhetorical nonsense of the diocese fool you or intimidate you. If you believe in justice for all working men and women you will see this bill for what it is: the closing of a loophole to allow all workers their God-given right to organize.
Leann Ziobro
Hudson
Don’t let Bishop Martino intimidate teachers’ union
Editor:
Well it came, another edict from the throne in Scranton: pass a law that fills a loophole and guarantees protection to teachers at religiously affiliated schools and bring an end to Catholic education.
Parents, students, teachers and the faithful in the Diocese of Scranton have endured considerable change in the past year and a half. We have seen schools closed and consolidated, institutions void of their previous identity. In the coming months churches will be closed forever.
And, in a way, it was all inevitable, church attendance is down and allegedly money is “dwindling” in the Diocese. None of this however is an excuse for the actions of Bishop Martino regarding the Scranton Diocese Association of Catholic Teachers.
The Martino “establishment,” including spokesman Bill Genello and superintendent Joseph Casciano, has continually blasted the teachers’ union, saying that its motives are out of greed and selfishness. They have accused the union of intimidation tactics. Unfortunately it appears that when they accuse the union of these things, they are looking in the mirror and watching their own actions reflect back at them.
The fact is that the diocese fired the union president. The diocese has made it known to the faithful that it will eliminate Catholic education if HB 26 passes. That sounds like intimidation to me.
To accuse a Catholic school teacher of being greedy shows, for lack of a better word, ignorance. These teachers make a sacrifice every day to work in Catholic schools. They understand that the Church does not have the financial resources of a public school district. From what I understand pay is not the issue here. The issue is that a man in Scranton will not “lower” himself to speak with the very people he is supposed to protect.
In this scope of protection though, there is no provision for a “father knows best” attitude which emanates from Bishop Martino every time he speaks. He approaches the issue with a tone of arrogance that is undeniable.
My teachers will not give up the fight for justice and equality in the workplace. They are not afraid of you, Bishop Martino, or what can be considered an empty threat.
You know (I would hope) in your heart of hearts what the right and just decision is. The quote often used is “no one can deny the right to organize without attacking human dignity itself.”
I am hopeful that you will reconsider what I and many believe is a serious mistake. For everyone else I encourage you to write to your state legislator to show your support for HB 26. Don’t let the rhetorical nonsense of the diocese fool you or intimidate you. If you believe in justice for all working men and women you will see this bill for what it is: the closing of a loophole to allow all workers their God-given right to organize.
Leann Ziobro
Hudson
posted by SDACT at
12:56 PM
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