Ģý advances 5% COLA in effort to reach agreement
Story By Staff.
Ģý has formally advanced a revised compensation proposal to union leadership, as the faculty and classified strike enters its third week.
The proposal includes a 2% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) in the first year of the contract and a 3% COLA in the second year, along with increased contributions to employee healthcare plans. This brings the total COLA of the current Ģý contract up to 19% across 4 years (Ģý previously awarded compounding 6% and 8% COLAs, plus step increases).
College leadership emphasized that this proposal reflects continued, significant movement by management at the bargaining table and a clear effort to balance support for employees with the College’s responsibility to students and long-term financial sustainability.
“We are optimistic about this competitive offer and eager to reach an agreement with both negotiation teams,” said Ģý President Adrien Bennings. “Continuing to place our students in a prolonged state of uncertainty is untenable for their success.”
The advancement of this proposal comes at a critical time for the College. Ģý is currently experiencing a 4.2% decline in student headcount and a 3.4% decline in full-time equivalent enrollment compared to this time last year. College leaders are also aware of students exploring transfer options due to uncertainty surrounding the spring term.
“The Ģý team is working to reach an agreement that allows us to move forward together as an institution while ensuring students can continue their education without disruption,” said Ģý Board of Director Gina Sanchez Roletto. “I’d expect and hope that students support their instructors during this time. Instructors and staff are the front line of education, and at the same time I hope the public is continuing to reach out to state legislators to continue advocacy for education funding.”
Due to Ģý’s quarter-based academic calendar, prolonged uncertainty can have cascading impacts on registration timelines, financial aid disbursement, and student progress. If union leadership does not agree to this offer tonight, the College is prepared to explore options for delaying spring term to April 6.
“We believe there is still a path forward,” Bennings added.
For complete details on the bargaining process and history, visit: /president/bargaining-updates/