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STATEMENT BY BISHOP NICHOLAS
DIMARZIO
When negotiations opened two years ago for a new contact between five parishes in the Diocese of Brooklyn and the Federation of Catholic Teachers, the hope was that discussions would lead to a fair and satisfactory agreement for everyone affected---children, parents and teachers in the five unionized schools. While that has not yet been achieved, it continues to be our goal.
The Federation of Catholic Teachers is seeking a minimum salary increase of 8.5 percent per year in the five schools. The teachers in the approximately 140 non-union schools received an increase of 4 to 5 percent in the 2002/2003 school year and an increase of 2.5 to 3.5 percent this year, based on years of service and advanced degrees.
The increases sought by the union would inevitably result in higher tuition costs at the respective schools. The fear is that the increased tuition would cause parents to withdraw their children from schools they wish them to attend but can no longer afford.
There is, however, a further and equally serious difficulty that could also affect whether the schools may be able to continue to function in a fiscally sound way. Teachers, like all diocesan employees, pay for part of the cost of their medical benefits. The union wants the same benefits for its teachers as exists for teachers in non-union schools, but it is unwilling to have teachers contribute to the medical plan and is unwilling to discuss this matter. Because of the union’s refusal to negotiate on this critical issue, no discussions can proceed until this difficulty is resolved.
I am unwavering in my respect for the women and men who teach our young people, providing values-centered academic instruction and education in the faith. I want them to know of my enduring admiration for their commitment.
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