Diocese of Scranton
Statement on SDACT Disruption of Catholic Education  

The leaders of the Scranton Diocese Association of Catholic Teachers (SDACT) claim that the welfare of their students and the preservation of Catholic education are their primary interests, not financial gain. Yet, their tactics do harm to students and Catholic education.

Because a majority of teachers declared they would not be present on Friday, March 14, the principal was compelled to cancel classes at Holy Cross High School because of inadequate supervision of the students. Parents pay tuition – which supports teacher salaries ­– to have their children in school, but these students are being denied their education.

SDACT’s leaders will try to shift blame onto Bishop Martino for this disruption and previous incidents at Holy Redeemer High School . But it must be made clear that neither he, the Diocese or the school administration are responsible for interrupting the educational process. When this occurs, it is the direct consequence of teachers voluntarily vacating their positions. When teachers fail to report to work, no school can operate.

In addition to disrupting the education of our students, SDACT’s leaders also continue to oppose the Diocese’s Employee Relations Program without even giving it a fair chance to work. In a letter issued on Tuesday, March 11, SDACT President Mike Milz urged his members to “continue to discourage any teachers in your school” from attending the program’s next meeting, which was held on Thursday, March 13, for the Employee Councils in the Holy Redeemer and Holy Cross regional school systems. Therefore, he would deny his fellow teachers – and all school employees – from taking this opportunity to have a voice in discussions about wages, benefits, working conditions and grievances. In fact, the March 13 meeting was very well attended.

The tactics of SDACT’s leaders will not benefit anyone, and they will not succeed. SDACT will not be recognized, and this decision is final. A majority of the schools were represented at Thursday’s meeting of the Employee Relations Program, and the implementation of this program will continue. All schools and all of their employees are encouraged to participate through their elected representatives.