New diocesan leader ends Bishop Martino's stonewall of teachers union

The following article appeared in the Scranton Times Tribune, October 14, 2009:

New diocesan leader ends Bishop Martino's stonewall of teachers union

After almost two years of unanswered or rejected invitations, a leader from the diocese met with the president of the Diocese of Scranton teachers union last week.

In the 22 months since now-retired Bishop Joseph F. Martino announced the diocese would no longer recognize the Scranton Diocese Association of Catholic Teachers, union President Michael Milz had repeatedly been denied a meeting with diocesan officials.

Last week, Mr. Milz sat down with Monsignor Joseph Bambera, delegate of Cardinal Justin F. Rigali, apostolic administrator of the diocese. Bishop Martino retired Aug. 31.

"It was a good meeting," Mr. Milz said. "It was our first communication with the diocese, of any kind."

Though any change to Bishop Martino's stance would likely not happen until a new bishop is named, Mr. Milz said he is encouraged.

William Genello, diocesan spokesman, said Monsignor Bambera had a "good conversation" with Mr. Milz and that the monsignor would be discussing the situation with Cardinal Rigali.
"Monsignor Bambera was willing to listen," Mr. Genello said.

Instead of recognizing the union, the diocese created an employee relations program in January 2008. The teachers union had previously been recognized within the diocese on a school-by-school basis, but after the diocese reorganized its school system, the diocese as a whole had to grant recognition.

In the year that followed the announcement, there were numerous rallies, protests and sick-outs - groups of teachers calling in sick on the same day.

When a new bishop is named, Mr. Milz wants Bishop Martino's decision reversed. "We're hopeful about the whole thing," Mr. Milz said.