On Sept. 23, faculty members of the Central Oregon Community College (COCC) Faculty Forum will gather for a practice picket, rally and media availability at the Coats Campus Center. The event, scheduled from 12:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m., follows the union’s declaration of an impasse on Aug. 28 after more than nine months of contract negotiations with the college.
Why the faculty are taking action
The Faculty Forum, an affiliate of the Oregon Education Association, says its members are seeking compensation increases that reflect current market rates. Union leaders warn that without a fair contract, they are prepared to strike to secure the pay they believe their educators deserve.
Key speakers and media access
State Sen. Anthony Broadman is slated to address the rally, joining leaders from the union’s bargaining team. After the rally, union representatives will be available for a media session to discuss the status of negotiations, answer questions and outline next steps.
Impact on students and the community
COCC serves a broad cross‑section of Bend residents, and faculty compensation directly affects classroom quality and student outcomes. By advocating for market‑rate salaries, the union argues it is protecting the educational experience for local families and preserving the college’s role as a cornerstone of the community.
What comes next?
If negotiations remain stalled, the Faculty Forum has indicated a strike could be on the horizon. Both the college administration and the union have expressed a desire to avoid disruption, but the union maintains that a fair contract is essential for retaining qualified educators.
Community response
Local residents and parents have voiced support for the faculty’s push for better pay, emphasizing the importance of stable, well‑compensated teachers for their children’s education. Some business leaders in Bend have also noted that competitive salaries help attract and retain talent, which benefits the regional economy.
For ongoing coverage of the rally and any developments in the contract talks, stay tuned to HyperLocal Loop.
Original reporting: KTVZ (Central Oregon) — read the source article.
