The Office of Catholic Education continues to meet and negotiate with the teachers' union. Last night the Archdiocese made significant proposals to the union, including one regarding working conditions. We are awaiting a response from the union.

Negotiating sessions continue today, August 31, 2006, when the contract is set to expire at midnight (the ratification vote by union members is scheduled for Tuesday, September 5, 2006 at 11:00 a.m.). The Archdiocese is willing to come to the table day or night to do what is necessary to reach a fair and equitable agreement.

The teachers' union is advocating for the needs of their members while the Archdiocese must not only respect our valued teachers but also those of parents, students and the entire school system. Despite the fact that the current contract is close to expiration, we are still hopeful that an agreement will be reached.

School is scheduled to open 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