Central Oregon Community College has requested mediation through the Oregon Employment Relations Board regarding its ongoing negotiations with the faculty bargaining unit. This request follows the expiration of the parties’ collective bargaining agreement on June 13 and more than 150 days of bargaining.

Mediation Process

Mediation is a standard step within Oregon’s collective bargaining process, designed to assist both sides in reaching an agreement through a neutral third party. The College is pursuing this step to maintain momentum and continue working toward a new agreement throughout the summer months.

Erica Skatvold, chair of the COCC Board of Directors, highlighted the institution’s commitment to its students and faculty. “As a student-centered institution, we support our faculty and want to reach a fair and sustainable agreement while creating certainty as we prepare for the upcoming academic year,” Skatvold said. “We have a responsibility to move negotiations forward to work toward a resolution.”

The request for mediation will not alter current college operations and is not expected to have an immediate impact on students, faculty or staff.

Original reporting: KTVZ (Central Oregon) — read the source article.