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The Archdiocese of Philadelphia suspended classes for its secondary students beginning yesterday, according to the Archdiocese. The five-county overseer decided to halt the new year after 711 lay teachers rejected its proposed three-year contract.
The Association of Catholic Teachers, Local 1776, reacted to the Archdiocese’s offer of a 7.84 percent salary boost by voting 589-60 to strike Sept. 6 at Penns Landing Caterers, 1301 S. Columbus Blvd., according to published reports Instructors are seeking a 14.5 percent hike to continue their mission of educating 16,000 students.
The teachers’ decisive tally meant administrators and members of religious orders tended to students, including those at Ss. Neumann-Goretti High School, 1736 S. 10th St. Last week, most schools worked on fragmented schedules anyway, with each class attending only one day. Entire student bodies reported Monday, but, with little budging from the union or the Archdiocese, learners went home Tuesday with letters stating the closure of facilities until the sides reach a settlement, according to the Archdiocese.
Contact Staff Writer Joseph Myers at jmyers@southphillyreview.com or ext. 124.
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