FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: CONTACT: Emily McLain press@oregoned.org
Faculty Members at Central Oregon Community College Vote to Authorize Historic Strike with 96% Support
COCCFF Members will hold Practice Picket and Rally Wednesday, 9/23 at 12 p.m.
Bend, Oregon – In a resounding and historic decision today, members of the Central Oregon Community College Faculty Forum (COCCFF) have voted, in a nearly unanimous vote, to authorize a strike, with 96% support from its membership. The authorization vote allows for a faculty strike at Central Oregon Community College, should the COCCFF Bargaining Team decide it necessary.
After 9+ months of failed negotiations over faculty salaries that are almost $28,000 below comparable college faculty across the state, Central Oregon Community College Union Members initiated pledges for what could be Oregon's second community college strike in the state's history. More than 98% of the bargaining unit participated in the strike vote process, which opened Sept. 10 and closed today, Sept. 22.
“The results of today’s authorization vote are incredibly clear: our faculty members refuse to rank at the bottom of Community College faculty salaries offered statewide, especially given the high cost of living in Bend,” said COCCFF Bargaining Chair Mindy Williams. “The College administration has increased their spending on capital projects by over 300%, while our members struggle to afford to live in the communities where they teach. This strike vote sends a clear message: the college’s financial priorities are wrong. We know that when faculty thrive, students do, too.”
In preparation for a potential strike in early October, COCCFF members will hold a Practice Picket and Rally on Wednesday, Sept. 23 from 12-1:30 at the Coats Campus Center (2600 NW College Way, Bend, OR 97703). COCCFF leaders will be available for comment at a Media Availability, immediately following the event.
“Members of the faculty have sent a mandate with their strike authorization vote. COCC Faculty are the foundation of student learning. They deserve a contract that reflects that.” Enrique Farrera, President Oregon Education Association. “This fight is bigger than one contract; it is a fight for working people across Central Oregon to earn a fair wage and build a life in the communities they serve”
COCCFF’s next bargaining session with the college is planned for Thursday this week.
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