COCC Staff Protest Low Pay as Contract Talks Continue in Bend

(Update: Adding video)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Staff members and supporters gathered outside Central Oregon Community College on Wednesday, demanding higher wages and better financial security as contract negotiations continue between the college and the Oregon Education Association.

Union representatives say one in four COCC staff members struggles with food insecurity, and eight out of ten report having no emergency savings. Protesters outside the college’s Bend campus held signs and chanted during a board meeting, calling for what they describe as an end to “poverty pay.”

In a statement, COCC said it remains engaged in good-faith negotiations with the union and is committed to reaching a fair contract agreement. The college emphasized the need to balance its responsibility for employees with its long-term financial stability.

No strike has been declared, and both parties say they are continuing to communicate and exchange proposals. Negotiations are ongoing.