Community College District Contract

It has been more than eight months since the faculty of the Ventura County Community College District has had a new contract. Since June 30, negotiations have continued to the present point, where our union and district management await the mediator’s decision on whether to certify the parties for the next step, nonbinding arbitration. During that time we have seen the erosion of our contractual rights, won through more than 25 years of negotiated contracts.

Until the district administration demonstrates effectiveness in working with the faculty, the morale on the three campuses will continue to decline, more faculty members will work only to current contract and we will continue to mobilize for the Nov. 3 board elections.

Student learning goes on at the three campuses through the faculty to student relationship, not from the adverse negotiations of this chancellor and board.

DON HENDERSON, Westlake Village