FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
State Rep. Eddie Day Pashinski D-Luzerne www.pahouse.com/Pashinski

 House Labor Relations Committee holds hearing on Pashinski's bill to give teachers in religious-connected schools labor protections

HARRISBURG, Aug. 18 – State Rep. Eddie Day Pashinski, D-Luzerne, said the House Labor Relations Committee held a public hearing today on his legislation that would give teachers and other employees in the Catholic school system more rights under state labor laws in Pennsylvania.

Pashinski's measure (H.B. 2626) has the support of more than 50 legislators from across the state. The bill would allow lay teachers, support staff and other religious education workers the opportunity to seek employment representation and membership through labor organizations.  

"My bill is meant to update an antiquated portion of the law that was written at a time when we had few lay teachers, "Pashinski said.  "Now, 70 years later, 95 percent of all Catholic education in Pennsylvania is taught by lay teachers."

Catholic dioceses in Pashinski's district and from across the state believe that government oversight of their school system is not necessary.

The proposed change would force dioceses to recognize and bargain collectively with teachers unions. It would also allow unions in religious schools to bring grievances to the Pennsylvania Labor Relations Board.

Earlier this year, the Diocese of Scranton refused to bargain collectively with its teachers union.

"My bill does not have anything to do with the religious doctrine but instead, gives workers in the religious education system the right to accept and to join unions," Pashinski said.

The Luzerne County lawmaker said the committee also plans to hold hearings in Philadelphia and Pittsburgh.

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