Teachers’ strike continues at Philly-area Catholic high schools

A strike by Philadelphia-area Catholic high school teachers continued Monday as the Archdiocese of Philadelphia took a “wait-and-see” attitude about whether it will keep the high schools open after Tuesday.

Members of the Association of Catholic Teachers walked off the job Sept. 6 at the 17 high schools in the city and its suburbs after saying they didn’t feel the archdiocese was giving them the respect they deserve.

Mary Rochford, superintendent of schools for the archdiocese, said the schools moved up standardized testing to fill the time. By Wednesday, she said, the exams will be finished.

To end the stalemate, Rochford said, face-to-face talks are needed.

“The issues that we are facing, and the sticking points for us are educational issues, they need conversation,” she said. “They just can’t be on a piece of paper and left for interpretation.”

The union issued a statement Monday saying some movement has been made on vital issues, but that job security continues to be a major concern.

Representatives from both sides said they hope a settlement can be reached quickly.