Pickets go up at Catholic high schools

Pickets went up this morning at Catholic high schools in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia as teachers went on strike for the first time in eight years.

No new contract talks had been scheduled, but the archdiocese today offered to meet Thursday, Friday, Sunday and Monday, according to spokesman Ken Gavin.

Today is the first day of school for freshman at most schools, from Archbishop Carroll in Radnor to West Philadelphia Catholic, with other grade levels staggered over subsequent days. Archibishop Ryan, for one, however, is having sophomores, juniors and seniors report today, with just freshman on Thursday.

The 17 affected schools are being staffed by administrators and members of religious orders during the strike.

At boys-only Roman Catholic High in Center City, about a dozen teachers with "ACT on Strike" signs began picketing before 8 a.m., the official start of the school day. The strikers belong to the Association of Catholic Teachers, Local 1776.

"Are we allowed to say hi to the students?" a longtime teacher asked a fellow marcher.

"I think it's going to be a long strike, and the new cardinal needs to get involved really fast," said math teacher John Beach.

Archbishop Charles Chaput, perhaps destined to named a cardinal by Pope Benedict XVI, will officially take the helm of the archdiocese Thursday in ceremonies the union unanimously voted not to picket.

"I hope they get to a contract and make everybody happy so these kids can stay in school," said parent Vince Cole of West Philadelphia.

"Basically, we're just looking for job security and a fair contract," said business teacher Theresa Lazorko, a union delegate.

"It's not about the money," said Beach. ". . . We understand our parents don't have the money."

Students were mum when asked for comment.