By: Sequoia Nix
The Lane Community College Education Association (LCCEA) announced Tuesday that 92% of its faculty members have pledged their willingness to strike if contract negotiations with Lane Community College administration fail. LCCEA represents 360 faculty members working this term.
The announcement comes after 10 months of bargaining between faculty and the college. According to a Feb. 17 press release from LCCEA, the two sides remain divided on issues including job security, workload, class sizes, compensation and student support services.
In preparation for a potential work stoppage, hundreds of faculty members attended union sponsored “strike schools” between Jan. 31 and Feb. 9, the release said. The trainings covered strike logistics, legal protections, health care and pay during a strike, and strategies to support students in the event of disruption.
“We are heartened by the extraordinary response of union members and students in support of our negotiations,” LCCEA President Adrienne Mitchell said in the statement. “We care so deeply about our students – our commitment to safeguarding our beloved LCC for the future through contract negotiations is unwavering.”
Lane Community College admin addressed the negotiations in a campus wide message, noting that “the two sides have met fifteen times” and “have reached agreement on many issues.” The message added that “there are still some topics to work through, and the parties are moving into mediation on February 12.”
The Feb. 12 mediation was not held, although the administration and union did have talks, because the mediator was not available. Mediation between LCCEA and Lane administration was then scheduled for Thursday, Feb. 19. Under Oregon labor guidelines, a strike — if formally authorized — could occur as early as April. No strike has been declared.
The union said 99% of faculty have endorsed its bargaining goals.
The release also highlighted student involvement in the negotiations. On Feb. 10, students held an informational picket on campus, and a student-led petition related to the negotiations has received 938 verified signatures. The petition raises concerns about class sizes, course offerings, and student services.
If faculty were to strike at the start of spring term, classes and academic schedules could be affected. Students are encouraged to monitor official updates from both the college and LCCEA and contact faculty or academic advisors with questions about their programs.
The Torch will continue to follow developments as mediation moves forward.
