Central Oregon Community College faces possible faculty strike next week

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- Central Oregon Community College has learned the college's faculty form has issued a notice of intent to strike on October 5, if a contract agreement is not reached.

College officials tell KTVZ News campus and student services will remain open and plans are underway for academic continuity to minimize potential disruptions.

A strike notice does not halt negotiations or prevent the parties from coming to an agreement before the deadline. The college is continuing to participate in mediation and pursue opportunities for a resolution.

Jim Porter, chair of the COCC board of directors, emphasized the college's goal of reaching a resolution through continued talks. “Our hope remains that we can reach an agreement and avoid a strike,” Porter said. “We value our faculty and the work they do every day for our students. The College remains committed to working toward a fair and sustainable resolution.”

College administrators advised students not to assume a course is canceled unless they receive official notice from the school. COCC President Greg Pereira stated that keeping students informed and on track remains the top priority. “Our students have worked hard to get to this point and our priority is helping them continue making progress toward their educational goals,” Pereira said. “We know the possibility of a strike creates uncertainty. We will communicate directly and regularly with students so they know what to expect and what they need to do.”

The college will provide individual course status updates directly to enrolled students. Additional information regarding student questions and the bargaining process is available on COCC's dedicated faculty negotiations webpages.

The parties are scheduled to hold mediation sessions on Friday, Sept. 25 and Friday, Oct. 2. If no agreement is reached during these talks, the strike will begin Oct. 5.