COCC Faculty Plan ‘Last Chance Rally’ as Strike Deadline Nears
BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- Central Oregon Community College faculty members are planning a rally Thursday as contract negotiations enter their final days before a potential strike.
Members of the COCC Faculty Forum will gather at noon Thursday, October 1, at the Coats Campus Center on the COCC campus in Bend. Faculty members, students and community supporters are expected to attend.
The rally comes ahead of the next state-mediated bargaining session, scheduled for Friday, October 2. If an agreement is not reached, faculty say they will begin a strike at 8 a.m. Monday, October 5.
The faculty union says 98% of members participated in a strike authorization vote, with 96% voting in favor of a strike. The union says it remains focused on reaching an agreement and has extended an offer through 2 p.m. Friday that it says could prevent a strike.
“We have an urgency around this because we want to settle a fair contract as soon as possible and avert a strike,” said Mindy Williams, COCC Faculty Forum bargaining chair. “Unfortunately, the college has not shared that same urgency. We need decision-makers at the bargaining table who are prepared to have the affordability conversation and work toward a resolution.”
According to the union, the proposals currently on the table could be funded without program cuts, personnel cuts or unplanned tuition increases.
Faculty members are also calling for direct discussions with college leaders about financial forecasts and previous projections of deficits that they say have not come to fruition.
“COCC is a public institution with a commitment to serve today’s students and community. We should be having an honest conversation about what is actually affordable and how the college’s resources can best serve students and employees,” said Sara Henson, president of the COCC Faculty Forum.
Faculty leaders say there is still time to reach an agreement and avoid a strike, but they are calling on college administrators to move quickly.
Rally Details
What: COCCFF Last Chance Rally and Picket
When: Thursday, October 1 at noon
Where: Coats Campus Center, COCC Campus
Address: 2600 NW College Way, Bend, Oregon 97703
