Professors refused to teach classes Nov 26 and 27 at Modesto Junior College and at Columbia College, holding the strike to protest unfair labor practices by the Yosemite Community College District.

The walkout resulted in canceled classes at MJC, affecting 18,000 students, said a spokesman for the Yosemite Community College District.

At the smaller Columbia College near Sonora, the action affected 154 classes. The faculty strike was believed to be the first in the 97-year history of MJC. The strike emptied classrooms at MJC’s East Campus, where about two-thirds of the main parking lot was bare. Members of the Yosemite Faculty Association formed picket lines at intersections at the east and west campuses in Modesto.

Professors and instructors are also prepared to strike in January, after the holiday break, if there is no meaningful progress in contract negotiations with the YCCD. The teachers and district administration are far apart on pay issues even though the negotiations began three years ago.

“If they reach out, we will reach back,” said Jim Sahlman, president of the union representing almost 700 professors, instructors and counselors. “It’s important for the district to understand we are not going to be bullied. We are not going to accept bad-faith negotiations anymore. It’s time for the games to stop.”