We are continuing to bargain in good faith with the hope that a settlement can be reached before the contract expires on Sunday, August 31st. We have been working to remove many of the issues from the bargaining table. The following statements represent where we are at the present time. The next negotiating session is scheduled for Sunday, August 31st at 1:00 p.m.

MANAGEMENT ISSUES

The Archdiocese has made some proposals in the area of accountability that we feel are necessary to operate the school system in an efficient and consistent manner while maintaining the highest quality standards of Catholic education .

3 YEAR CONTRACT

The union continues to seek a 1 year contract. We are adamant in our desire for a 3 year contract which will offer stability to our teachers, parents and students and enable us to plan appropriately.

MEDICAL

We have made a proposal on the issue of medical coverage which reduces our request in the 2nd and 3rd year of the contract. We are looking for a fixed percentage rate to help us with the cost of the plan.

We are still awaiting a counter-proposal from the union in the medical benefits area. The union have not been willing to talk to us on this matter.

SALARY

We have made some salary moves proportional to the proposals by the union. However, as I stated this past week, we need the union to come back to us with some proposals in the medical benefits area in order for us to address the salary concerns.

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Editor's Note:
The starting salary for an archdiocesan high school lay teacher for the 2002-2003 school year: $30,300. This current teachers contract, expiring August 31, 2003, affects approximately 1000 high school lay teachers. 23,000 high school students attend 22 archdiocesan high schools in the five-county region. The first day of school is Wednesday, September 3, 2003.
Judge McGovern is a retired Delaware County Court of Common Pleas judge.

Contact
Catherine L. Rossi
Director of Communications
215-587-3747