Teachers question diocese’s support of organized labor

[Omaha Steve]

Source: The Citizens' Voice

In the six months since the Diocese of Scranton restructured its schools, teachers say their work conditions have changed for the worse.

BY SARAH HOFIUS HALL

A 3-percent wage increase went directly to insurance costs teachers never paid before.

Workloads and workdays have increased. Teacher salaries aren’t equal.

Without union representation, teachers don’t know what to expect next.

“The only way we can move forward is with stability,” said Holy Redeemer High School chemistry teacher Mary Humiston, who has taught in the diocese for 29 years. “I’m truly worried about the future of Catholic education.”

Read more: http://www.citizensvoice.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=19259072&BRD=2259&PAG=461&dept_id=455154&rfi=6

[PADEMJES12]

1. these two concerns should be in unison

We need to stand up for teachers and the union, because as we've seen when they arent present... those are typically the states in a full fledged disaster... stats to follow

[JPZenger]

2. In much of PA, Charter Schools have hurt Catholic Schools

In many parts of PA., publicly funded charter schools have really hurt Catholic Schools. If people wanted an alternative to their local public schools, the only affordable alternative used to be Catholic Schools. Now, in many areas, they can send their kids to a Charter School for free.

In the western Phila. suburbs, it is different. Expensive independent Catholic Schools have taken students away from lower cost Catholic Schools run by the parishes.