COCC educators and faculty rally as contract negotiations reach standstill

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ)-- For the first time in its 75-year history, Central Oregon Community College faculty and classified staff, represented by two separate unions, are joining forces to demand living wages.

Contract negotiations are never easy.

They can last for months and even years as employers and employees work to resolve their differences.

At Central Oregon Community College, it's no different. After 10 months, classified workers and COCC have come to a standstill. The issue at the heart of negotiations is pay.

Scott Dove, an academic tech specialist, told KTVZ News, "We got here because the college is reluctant to offer us what we would consider a living wage and what we frankly consider that we need in order to be able to continue to live here in Central Oregon."

 Greg Pereira, COCC's President, told KTVZ News, "We really just hope it leads to a resolution. That's the most important thing at this point, that we can find equitable and good outcomes that show that we value our staff, that show good financial stewardship, long-term for the institution."

The classified workers' union is entering a 14-day mediation period with COCC and a state mediator to hopefully solve the contract dispute. 

Classified workers include staff like custodians, counselors, and tech support.

At the same time, the college's other major union, representing the faculty, is beginning its budget negotiation period to increase salaries. 

"So even though we live in the most expensive part of the state, our wages have fallen behind by quite a bit," Mindy Williams, the lead of the faculty bargaining team, told KTVZ News. "So we're looking to reclaim our worth in terms of our workload so we can better serve this community and serve our students."

The faculty and COCC will have 145 days to reach an agreement before they reach a mediation stage.

Mediation between COCC and the classified workers will begin in February.