Thank you for your continuing support, and patience, as our organizing efforts go forward.  We are aware of your ever-growing frustration and fears. Although we know that no one wanted to start the school year without a union contract in place, it now appears that we’ll have to do just that, as circumstances beyond our control have prevented us from getting to the bargaining table.  As we all know, the position of the Diocese is that recognition of SDACT as your union can only come from the new corporate boards that will run the four new school systems.  Although they were scheduled to be in place by July 1, those Boards are yet to be seated.  However, we have it on good authority that sometime in September they will finally be in place.  As soon as they are empowered to grant it, the SDACT will seek immediate recognition and press to bargain a first contract. 

     Recognition could come about in a number of ways.  To set the table for what we hope will be an amicable relationship between employer and union, and to get the bargaining  process started as soon as possible, the Boards could grant outright recognition to SDACT.  Such an act would signal their respect for their teachers’ wishes for representation, and would thus augur a good beginning to our relationship.  If recognition is contested, bargaining would be delayed. We would then need to prove that we represent the majority will by showing the authorization cards you have signed to a mutually agreed upon impartial third party, or by conducting a secret ballot election.  Either of the latter methods (even though we’ve got overwhelming majority support) would slow our move to bargaining, and continue to heighten everyone’s frustration. 

     In any case, no matter what method eventually gets us there, the one thing that is certain is that we will insist that all contractual conditions be retroactive to September 2007.  To do otherwise would be to reward the foot dragging of our employers. 

     So, keep the faith.  As frustrating as it has been, we know that better times are in store if we can maintain our solidarity. Future issues of the Communicator will continue to keep you up to date as our campaign toward justice and dignity for all Diocesan teachers continues.