Comments on: Catholic Church and Labor

By: John Rose

John Rose — Fri, 28 Nov 2008 23:59:59 +0000

I am a parent of three children who have always attended Catholic schools in our diocese. I have witnessed first hand the dedication of the teachers. In addition, as a school board member, I know what it takes to keep the schools open financially. At St, Nicholas-St, Mary’s school there was 100% co-operation between the administration, the union, and the faculty. Communication was open. As issues arose, they were discussed professionally. That all changed when the new bishop came on the scene. His dictatorial attitude and reluctance to discuss the issues in an open forum are very discouraging. I support the teachers in their quest to have a fair vote at the schools and let the teachers themselves decide who they would like to have represent them. The company union should not be forced upon them. It is my fear that catholic education will no longer be a viable alternative for any of us in this diocese. If the bishop has his way, the work environment will drive away the teachers; even those that are the the most staunch supporters of catholic education. Without these dedicated teachers, there is no longer any value left to a catholic school education.

By: Bruce Endy

Bruce Endy — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 01:08:49 +0000

When the diocese announced its restructuring the Bishop announced that a method for selecting a union representative would accompany the new schools’ opening. However, when the new schools opened he reneged on this promise and announced that he would not recognize the current union or any union. There never were any discussions with the Bishop or his staff over contract terms. Indeed the old contracts had provided that when the old schools closed, teachers’ accured sick pay would be payed out to them. The union offered to negotiate a deferred payout in the context of a labor agreement, but the Bishop refused. He also refused to honor the old contract’s sick pay provision. In short the union had no demands other than to be recognized as they had been since 1980 and there were no talks. That the Bishop has had to endure criticism is a self inflicted wound.

By: Manny Hotchkiss

Manny Hotchkiss — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 17:36:33 +0000

Would some good investigative reporter find out exactly what caused the Bishop to stop talking to the union? Readers can not make good decisions without the details of the unions demands, as well as the details of the proposed “employee relations program” of the Bishop. Please, give us some more facts!
Manny Hotchkiss
Portland, Oregon

By: William Horan

William Horan — Sun, 16 Nov 2008 18:04:15 +0000

The Future of Catholic Schools

A “preferential option for the poor” should be maintained in our Catholic Schools. If we find that we cannot afford to keep our schools open to the poor, the schools should be closed and the resources used for something else which can be kept open to the poor. We cannot allow our Church to become a church primarily for the middle-class and rich while throwing a bone to the poor. The priority should be given to the poor even if we have to let the middle-class and rich fend for themselves.
Practically speaking, the Catholic Schools must close and the resources used for “Confraternity of Christian Doctrine” and other programs which can be kept open to the poor. Remember, the Church managed without Catholic Schools for centuries. We can get along without them today. The essential factor is to cultivate enough Faith to act in the Gospel Tradition, namely, THE POOR GET PRIORITY. The rich and middle-class are welcome too. But the poor come first.

William Horan
w.horan@comcast.net

By: Marvin Wagner

Marvin Wagner — Sat, 15 Nov 2008 11:10:39 +0000

As with gay issues, union recognition issues further divide Catholics. Bishop Martino takes the unchristian position on each. Their culture of life does not allow following of Christian principles on the killing of innocents in Iraq and Afganistan, etc., death caused by poverty and our toxic earth, and death caused by lack of health care. I say divide and multiply. It’s time to practice Christian faith. I am the church.

By: art

art — Sat, 15 Nov 2008 10:28:13 +0000

this is sad and the unspoken problem is the unprecedented spending going on in public schools over the past 25 years that is damaging non public schools at all levels. The per pupil costs at many public systems is well over 10K and there are Taj Mahal athletic facillities everywhere. The public school parents are demanding more and egged on by teachers(the largest union in this country)have been getting it. NOt to mention huge unfunded pension and health care. You are finding non exclusive non religious prep schools are having the same problem