Catholic High School Teachers Reject Early Bird Contract

An attempt to come to terms on an early bird contract renewal between the Archdiocese of Philadelphia and the teachers’ union failed Wednesday night, according to Philly.com.

The approximately 635 members of the Philadelphia chapter of the Association of Catholic Teachers voted unanimously to reject the offer, primarily because the salary increase would not cover the increase in medical benefit payments, the Associated Press reports.

Both sides are attempting to reach an early bird agreement that covers only salary and benefits before a June 1 deadline. If a new deal cannot be reached by then, the entire contract will be eligible for negotiation before its Aug. 31 expiration.

The Archdiocese of Philadelphia released a statement expressing disappointment that an agreement could not be reached.

“The Office of Catholic Education will now enter full contract negotiations with the Association to come to an agreement on a contract that will be fair to all parties while recognizing that the needs and expectations of our students and school families are paramount,” the statement says.

The contract covers only teachers in the Archdiocese’s 17 high schools in the Philadelphia region, including Cardinal O’Hara in Springfield and Pope John Paul II in Royersford. Elementary school teachers are not included in the contract.