Students enrolled at Central Oregon Community College — including those attending the Madras campus — should be aware of a potential disruption to fall term classes. The COCC Faculty Forum voted nearly unanimously this week to authorize a strike, with 96% of ballots cast in favor. The union has notified the college that faculty intend to walk off the job on October 5 if a contract agreement is not reached at the bargaining table.

What the Vote Means

Wednesday's strike authorization vote does not mean a strike is certain — it gives union leadership the formal authority to call one if negotiations break down. Bargaining between the COCC Faculty Forum and college administration is ongoing, and both sides still have time to reach a deal before the October 5 deadline.

Unlike support staff disputes, a faculty strike is widely expected to halt or significantly disrupt classes. It would be only the second time in Oregon history that a community college faculty union has gone on strike — the first being Portland Community College last spring, where faculty spent weeks on picket lines before a contract was eventually agreed upon.

The Core Issue: Wages vs. Cost of Living

Faculty union leaders say the dispute centers on compensation that has not kept pace with Central Oregon's rising cost of living. The region has seen significant housing cost increases in recent years, making it increasingly difficult for instructors to afford to live where they teach.

"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." — Enrique Farrera, president, Oregon Education Association

What COCC Is Telling Students

College President Greg Pereira issued a statement Thursday acknowledging the uncertainty but urging students not to assume their classes are canceled unless they receive direct notification from the college.

"We know the possibility of a strike creates uncertainty. Our students have worked hard to get to this point, and our priority is helping them continue making progress toward their educational goals." — COCC President Greg Pereira

The college says its campuses, including the Madras site, will remain open and that student services will continue to be available regardless of any faculty action. Students can expect direct communication from COCC about the status of individual courses.

What Madras-Area Students Should Do

  • Watch for direct email or text notifications from COCC about your specific courses
  • Do not assume a class is canceled unless officially notified
  • Contact the Madras campus or COCC student services with questions
  • Monitor the COCC website at cocc.edu for updates

The situation is developing. The Madras Bulletin will continue to track negotiations and report any changes that affect local students ahead of the October 5 deadline.