Students at Central Oregon Community College's Madras campus can breathe a sigh of relief: classes continued without interruption after the college and its faculty union struck a last-minute deal Friday night, averting what would have been the college's first-ever faculty strike.
The COCC Faculty Forum and college administration reached a tentative collective bargaining agreement on Friday, October 2, just days after 96 percent of union members voted to authorize a strike scheduled to begin Monday morning. Classes at all COCC campuses — in Bend, Redmond, Madras, and Prineville — proceeded normally when Monday arrived.
A Year in the Making
The agreement comes after nearly a year of mediation efforts between the college and the union. Under the new contract, full-time faculty will receive salary increases ranging from 13 to 27 percent in the first year alone, with starting salaries increasing by at least $14,000 annually. Adjunct faculty — who make up a significant share of the teaching workforce — will also see pay increases under the deal.
The agreement will increase COCC's personnel costs by roughly $1 million per year over the three-year life of the contract, college officials said. Prior to the deal, an assistant professor at the bottom of the salary scale earned $61,560 per academic year. Adjunct faculty at the bottom of the scale earned $752 per credit hour taught.
What Faculty and Administration Said
"Our members bravely fought for this contract because they believe COCC faculty deserve to be fairly compensated for the work they do every day for our students and our community," said Sara Henson, human development professor and faculty union president. "These agreements will change lives, strengthen our faculty and help COCC build the workforce our students deserve."
COCC President Greg Pereira also welcomed the resolution.
"Our students have remained our priority throughout this process, and we're pleased to have reached an agreement that allows them to continue their education," Pereira said. "We look forward to continuing our work together, supporting our faculty and ensuring our students have the opportunity to keep moving toward their educational goals."
What It Means for Madras Students
COCC's Madras campus serves Jefferson County students at a tuition rate of $130 per credit — among the most affordable college options in Central Oregon. The campus offers coursework and programs designed to serve the local community, including residents of the Warm Springs Reservation.
The Faculty Forum must still ratify the tentative agreement before it becomes final. College officials said they do not anticipate any further disruption to classes at any campus during the ratification process.