We appreciate everyone’s support as we have been negotiating now for two days. We have spent over twenty hours in an attempt to come to an agreement with the district. We presented a reasonable proposal, again focusing on strong, research-based safety measures, and we managed to reach an agreement on key areas regarding masking, testing, and verification for a safe, smooth return to campus. However, the district refused to agree based on one point only:

They want to punish faculty for performing their job duties in a safe and effective manner—even though they spent millions of dollars training us to do so.

The Faculty Association proposed that all faculty who remained remote (to keep themselves, their students, their colleagues, and their families safe) shall be held harmless. Rest assured the Faculty Association will vigorously defend all impacted faculty at every step of the way should the district pursue any disciplinary action.  

What’s Next?

Yesterday, the district informed us that they will be sending out clarification emails.  Rather than just using email communication, we suggested the district hold a town hall to directly clarify their position and answer questions from faculty, but they refused. We also strongly emphasized to the district the degree to which the current conditions on campus are disproportionately impacting marginalized students and adjunct faculty. One of the district representatives responded: “I think this meeting is over.”

Today, the district called us back to the table knowing our position, but still refused to discuss any proposal that included language to prevent disciplinary action. At one point, a district representative stated that “Covid is not a workplace hazard,” which demonstrates a blatant disregard for safety. After several exchanges, the meeting concluded without full agreement.

The Faculty Association is beginning to wonder if the district intended to come to the bargaining table in good faith. The district continues to demonstrate its disrespect for faculty. Several times, the district characterized faculty who teach remotely as, “the faculty who don’t want to work.” What exactly have we been doing for the past two years?

The PCC community is still waiting to hear from President Endrijonas (other than, “Good!”). Why doesn’t she lead? Is she concerned for the safety of students, staff, and faculty? How is she earning the confidence of the community?

The Faculty Association is ready to bargain with the district in good faith and is open to continuing the discussion to come to a reasonable solution. In the meantime, stay strong and continue to:

• Email the Board of Trustees (make sure that you copy the FA), call your local representatives, tell your neighbors what is going on at our valued institution
• Be vocal in expressing your dismay about the lack of leadership on this campus and the willingness of the district to put faculty, staff, and students in harm’s way
• Advocate for those who have the least protection—adjuncts with no healthcare and faculty who are with us but have no tenure
• Communicate with your academic senators to represent your voice
• Email the Faculty Association board about your willingness to participate in meetings with elected officials
• Reach out to the Faculty Association if you need support: facultyassociation@gmail.com

We will keep you informed as the week continues. The fight for safe working and learning conditions is not over.