COCC faculty reach tentative contract agreement, avoiding Monday strike

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) Developing now, Central Oregon Community College faculty have reached a tentative contract agreement with the college — narrowly avoiding a strike.

The COCC faculty forum and college administration reached the deal Friday night, just days before a strike was set to begin Monday.

Full-time faculty will receive salary increases of 13 to 27 percent in the first year.

The lowest starting salary will increase by $14,000, to $75,000 dollars.

Adjunct faculty will also see substantial pay increases, with some expected to see their take-home pay increase by up to 50 percent.

The agreement also increases overload and summer pay, shortens the time it takes faculty to reach the top of the salary scale, and reduces health insurance contributions for many faculty members.

The agreement still needs to be ratified by faculty members before it becomes final.