Most Holy Father,
I am the representative of the Democratic Trade Union of Teachers in
Pécs, Hungary. I am turning to you with a request.
I would like to ask you to use your influence on church and thus support our important activity regarding validating our strike claims.
I am not sure how much you are aware of the present problems of the Hungarian educational system. The Hungarian Trade Unions organized a strike on 15 April 2016 and now we are organizing another one on 20 April 2016, in all educational institutions.
In Hungary the constitution ensures the right of strike for all employees, including those who work in institutions headed by the Catholic Church.
Despite of this fact, the Bishop of the city of Pécs is against strikes and demonstrations and even envisaged sanctions for those who want to take part in any strike. In my opinion, the Bishop has no right to do this and to threaten teachers who would agree to go on a strike.
Answering the questions of the press, the Bishop insists on his opinion he has told earlier.
I would like to ask you kindly to help us to clear this situation with the Bishop of Pécs regarding that he also has to follow the constitution and the law equally refers to everyone. All employees have the right to go on a strike; this is what the Labour Code and Strike Code also contain.
Thank you very much in advance for your kind assistance.
With the deepest respect of Your Holiness,
Erzsébet Nagy
Representative of the Democratic Trade Union of Teachers in Pécs/Hungary
pdszpecs@gmail.com
