STATEMENT ON PICKETING AND OTHER SDACT ACTIVITIES
February 29, 2008
 

Bishop Martino has a solemn obligation to protect the Catholic identity of our schools, to ensure that a quality education is provided to our students in a safe, healthy environment, and to make Catholic education affordable for families and parishes. If personnel practices result in a tuition increase that prevents parents from enrolling their children in our Catholic schools, then the very mission of Catholic education is in jeopardy.

After thoroughly evaluating all of these considerations, Bishop Martino has determined that the best course of action for the future stability of our new school systems is the implementation of an Employee Relations Program that includes not only teachers, but also support staff such as aides, administrators, office staff, cafeteria staff and maintenance personnel. The program involves the formation of Employee Councils, Wage and Benefit Committees, Health Care Sub-Committees and Grievance Committees for each of the four regional school systems that were established last year in the restructuring of Diocesan Catholic schools. This program is underway and it serves as the forum for discussions between the Diocese and the teachers and support staff in all schools.

This decision is final and will not be revoked, and the implementation of the Employee Relations Program has begun.