Bend, Ore. – Central Oregon Community College (COCC) announced Tuesday that negotiations with the Faculty Forum union have entered an impasse, the formal next step under Oregon labor law after more than seven months of talks and three mediation sessions.
Four contract articles remain unresolved, primarily concerning faculty compensation and the college’s long‑term expenditures. COCC’s latest proposal would add roughly $4.1 million in costs over a three‑year term, while the union’s counter‑proposal would increase expenses by about $8.5 million, a figure that the college says would deplete its $8 million reserve.
Compensation differences
Under the college’s plan, the faculty salary schedule would be trimmed from 23 steps to 15. The offer includes an average first‑year raise of 9.4 % for full‑time faculty and 13.5 % for adjuncts, followed by step increases of 2 % for probationary faculty and 3.1 % for tenured faculty, plus a 2.75 % cost‑of‑living adjustment in years two and three.
The union’s offer calls for a much larger first‑year increase – 26.1 % for full‑time continuing faculty and 68.1 % for adjuncts – with smaller step increases in subsequent years and a 3 % annual cost‑of‑living adjustment.
College leadership response
Jim Porter, chair of the COCC Board of Directors, said the board remains committed to a fair agreement that balances faculty needs with student affordability and the college’s long‑term financial health. “While reaching impasse marks a new phase in the bargaining process, our focus remains on working toward resolution,” Porter said.
COCC President Greg Pereira echoed that sentiment, emphasizing the college’s mission to serve students. “COCC’s faculty are central to our mission and to the success of our students and we deeply value the work they do,” Pereira said.
Additional proposal elements
The college’s plan also includes a merit‑based bonus for professors, accelerated timelines for tenure and promotion, higher rates for summer and overload work, and increased lab and clinical loads.
State law requires both parties to submit final offers and cost summaries within seven days of an impasse declaration, triggering a mandatory 30‑day cooling‑off period. Negotiations may continue during that time, and a mediation session is scheduled for Thursday, Sept. 17.
Stakeholders and community members are encouraged to follow upcoming updates as COCC works toward a sustainable resolution that supports faculty, students, and the broader Bend community.
Original reporting: KTVZ (Central Oregon) — read the source article.
