News Release
September 4, 2006
STATEMENT FROM THE OFFICE OF CATHOLIC EDUCATION
REGARDING TEACHER CONTRACT NEGOTIATIONS
EVENING OF MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2006 ~ 8:15 p.m.
At 8:00 p.m. the negotiating team for the union abruptly walked out of the meeting location refusing to negotiate any further with the Archdiocese. The Archdiocese had presented the union with a salary and benefits proposal at 11:00 a.m. and we had been waiting to hear back from the union on these specific issues. We received no response until the union broke off talks. There had been significant process made on non-financial issues.
We are extremely disappointed by this step and remain willing to talk about all of the issues. We urge the union to return to the bargaining table. There is no reason to stop talking at this stage. The Archdiocese has said that we are committed to negotiating as necessary and that remains true.
The union has scheduled a ratification vote for Tuesday, September 5, 2006 at 11:00 a.m. School for the 20 high schools begins on Wednesday, September 6, 2006. Students are expected to report. In the event of a strike, contingency plans would be announced; however, school will open the first week regardless of any action by the teachers' union.
Editor's Note: The contract now under negotiation will affect 955 high school lay teachers. In the five-county region 21,260 students attend Archdiocesan high schools (as of the 2005-2006 school year). Please note that Archdiocesan elementary and special education school teachers are not members of the secondary school teachers' union. The first day of school is Wednesday, September 6, 2006.
Contact
Donna Farrell
Director of Communications
215-587-3747