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Today’s classes canceled as teachers protest union not being recognized by Diocese

February 28, 2008

Redeemer teachers to skip school

SHERRY LONG slong@timesleader.com

Today’s classes were canceled at Holy Redeemer High School after teachers indicated they will not be showing up for class as a protest to Bishop Joseph Martino’s refusal to recognize their union.

Last month, Martino denied the teachers’ right to unionize, instead offering an employee relations program.

Holy Redeemer teachers union president Michael Milz declined to elaborate on the issue Wednesday evening other than to indicate he wouldn’t say if teachers would be calling in sick. But he did say “it is connected with the ongoing dispute” and more information would be released today.The diocese said it was forced to cancel classes due to a lack of supervison. Classes at other diocesan schools are not affected.

The Diocese released a statement to WBRE-TV Channel 28: “Holy Redeemer High School has been notified that a majority of its teachers will not be present on Thursday, February 28. In light of this, the principal is compelled to cancel classes because of inadequate supervision of the students.”

One Holy Redeemer student, a junior who didn’t want to disclose his name, said some teachers informed his friend that they would not be coming into work today.

According to WNEP-TV Channel 16, which posts school closings and delays, support staff and available teachers were to report to school at 10 a.m.

Calls to high school administrators’ homes, including Principal James Redington, and the administration department of the high school were not returned as of press time. Martino and other diocesan officials didn’t return calls for comment.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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