Some 377 Catholic school teachers and guidance counselors, members of the Lay Faculty Association, walked off the job November 29 at nine high schools in the New York area, demanding a 15 percent raise and a employee-financed pension plan. Charles Chesnavage, union delegate at Cardinal Hayes, said that classes are not taking place at the school. "The strike was absolutely necessary," he said. "We are fighting for a just wage, and improved pension."

Chesnavage explained that the supplemental pension the teachers are asking for would be paid for by the employees but administrated by the Archdiocese, their employer. So far, the Archdiocese has turned down this demand, and has offered an 8 percent salary increase over the three-year contract. The current pension pays out $13,000 a year after 25 years service. Workers under 30 years of age receive no pension fund contribution.

The teachers originally walked off the job September 10, a few weeks after their contract had expired, but returned to work after the World Trade Center attacks.

According to the unionists, the Archdiocese is trying to use the September attacks and economic problems in New York against the strikers. "We can't let them manipulate us by using that," said Frank Coughlin, a religion teacher. "The struggle for justice does not stop."

Teachers told Militant reporters that they were inspired by the striking teachers in Monmouth County, New Jersey, where around 230 went to jail rather then abide by a return-to-work order issued by a Superior Court judge.

"If we were here in that situation, I would have gotten arrested too," stated Mildred Colon, a Spanish-language teacher. " We are grateful for their stand," explained Sandra Jean, a guidance counselor for 20 years. "It fortifies us."

"Those teachers in New Jersey set an example for their students," stated Alvaro Peréz. "You should stick up for what you believe in."

Meanwhile, 3,200 workers organized in the Federation of Catholic Teachers in New York have won a halt to archdiocese plans to increase their medical plan contributions after a week of protest action involving "sickouts" by a number of members. They also won an 11 percent increase in salary, up from the 6 percent originally offered. The archdiocese succeeded in switching to a more restrictive health plan, however.
 
 
Related articles:
Teachers' strike sets example
After jailings, teachers in New Jersey press fight for a contract
 
 
 
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