Pope John Paul II was the spiritual force behind the Solidarity labor movement that helped bring Soviet-led communism to its knees in the 1980s, but bishops have struggled with unions operating within the walls of the Catholic Church, especially as lay people–with families to raise and pensions to worry over–replace low paid religious in the classrooms. (Will anyone write memoirs of lay people rapping them on the knuckles like those mean old nuns did? Just doesn’t work dramatically, I think.)
For example, the Vatican has never allowed anything more than a “lay association” that cannot call itself a union to represent its own workers. They say it’s an hoor and service to work for the Holy Father. Yes, but…
Now teachers from 10 New York Catholic high schools who have been at loggerheads with the New York archdiocese since their contract expired last Aug. 31 have voted to authorize a strike during Pope Benedict’s visit. The union representing about 420 teachers in schools from Poughkeepsie to Staten Island, wants the Archdiocese of New York to agree to a new three-year contract with improved pay, pension plan and health benefits, according to Religion New Service and other outlets.
This is a tough call. The teachers deserve much, the church has too little to give–and striking during a papal visit seems to me like it could backfire. In speakin about the pope and the looming strike, Henry Kielkucki, union business manager, told RNS: “This is not against him. It’s so people know what’s going on. It will continue even after he leaves, if we still don’t have a settlement.” Joe Zwliing, the archdiocesan spokesman, wasn’t buying it: “If the teacher’s union does seek to use the occasion of the visit of Pope Benedict XVI…as an occasion of protest and as an occasion of division, I think that’s an insult to Pope Benedict and an insult to the Catholic faithful of the Archdiocese of New York.”
Tough times make for tough calls. What do you think?
posted April 3, 2008 at 12:17 pm
I believe that it is not fair. Our Pope needs to know all the information about these teachers and their problems. They need their three-year contract with improved pay, pension plan and health benefits.
They are under paid and work very hard and sacrifice a great deal. They are human beings and I know that they really deserve nothing but improvements in their wages, pension plans and health benefits. The cost of living goes up. They can not retire unless they have a decent pension plan. Their health benefits need to be good in order for them to not get sick.
They are not slaves and should not be expected to be treated as if they do not exist.
I believe, especially when I visit different churches, that I see more gold in the churches or basilicas and I go to pray and attend mass and sometimes wonder why do they have to be so full of riches. I know it costs a lot to run a church however, being rich is not the answer.
Take good care and “God Bless” always. Enjoy your coming weekend.
posted April 3, 2008 at 12:56 pm
Joe Zwilling is the last person to comment objectively on such matters (along with Mr. Donahue).
Nevertheless, I agree with David that this approach could be counterproductive.
Most folk can sympathize with the union and I can tell personally of several bad cases of folks mistreated despite the union’s representations.
But I don’t think BXVI wants to know about this or the specifics of this.
What’s sad is that there is a need for some kind of demonstration to let the Pope know his faithful not only want him to speak, but also want him to listen!