For the first time in the college’s 75 year history, Central Oregon Community College faculty and classified educators represented by two separate unions will unite together for a joint action on Wednesday, January 14, in demand of living wages.
WHO: Central Oregon Community College faculty and classified staff
WHAT: COCC Workers Rally: United for Living Wages
WHEN: Wednesday January 14 at 5pm
WHERE: Outside the Central Oregon Community College Boyle Education Center, 2600 NW College Way, Bend, OR 97703
WHY: The ongoing refusal of Central Oregon Community College (COCC) to pay its employees living wages has sparked the two unions representing educators at the college to come together for the first time ever in a massive joint rally protesting COCC’s poverty wages.
Despite Central Oregon Community College having hoarded massive reserves, they pay educators poverty wages so low that a recent survey found 1 out of 4 COCC classified educators experiences food insecurity. Faculty as well as classified educators have been forced out of the community in which they work, despite COCC’s strong financial projections.
After more than nine months of failed negotiations, classified educators at COCC have demanded state mediation to address the college’s refusal to pay them living wages. Faculty at COCC areentering negotiations with COCC now as well and will have their first bargaining session with the college on January 15, the day after the rally. Wages for faculty have fallen far below that of comparable colleges, and like those for classified educators at COCC, are far below the cost of living in Bend.
Classified educators at COCC voted unanimously this Fall to affiliate with the Oregon Education Association, the 42,000 member union that also represents faculty at COCC. Classified educators perform essential support to the college, including custodial work, student counseling, technology support, and providing specialized resources to students. Educators in both unions are united in their shared demand that no one who works for COCC should be forced to live in poverty and are committed to eradicating poverty wages at the college forever.
This story is based on submitted information and has not been verified by our news team.
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