Contract negotiations between Central Oregon Community College and its Faculty Forum union have reached a formal impasse — meaning the two sides have exhausted mediation and are now locked into a structured state process under Oregon labor law. The declaration, made last week after more than seven months of bargaining and three mediation sessions, has implications for faculty and students across all COCC campuses, including the Madras center.

What's in Dispute

Four contract articles remain unresolved, with the central fight over compensation. The gap between the two sides is significant:

  • The college's proposal would add approximately $4.1 million in expenditures over the three-year contract term, offering full-time faculty average first-year raises of 9.4% and adjunct faculty increases of 13.5%, with step increases and cost-of-living adjustments in years two and three.
  • The Faculty Forum's proposal would add roughly $8.5 million — including a 26.1% first-year salary increase for full-time continuing faculty and a 68.1% increase for adjunct instructors.

COCC currently holds approximately $8 million in financial reserves. College leadership says the union's offer would deplete those reserves entirely.

What Happens Next

Under Oregon law, an impasse declaration triggers a formal resolution process, which may include fact-finding and, ultimately, binding arbitration if the parties still can't reach agreement. Classes continue as normal in the meantime.

Jim Porter, chair of the COCC Board of Directors, struck a measured tone following the impasse declaration.

"While reaching impasse marks a new phase in the bargaining process, our focus remains on working toward resolution. The Board recognizes COCC has a dedicated faculty who deserve and need increased compensation and we're committed to reaching an agreement that meaningfully invests in faculty while balancing student affordability and the long-term financial health of the College."

What It Means for Madras

The COCC Madras campus serves Jefferson County students seeking an affordable path to a two-year degree or transfer education. Faculty staffing and morale at the Madras center can be directly affected by system-wide labor disputes. Students are encouraged to continue their coursework as normal while negotiations proceed.

No strike has been called, and no disruption to the fall 2026 term has been announced.