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MCC Daily Tribune Archive

Update on Contract Negotiations


At the start of this spring semester, I would like to update you on the status of negotiations with the Faculty Association (FA).

As you know, last month the College asked the Public Employment Relations Board (PERB) to assign a mediator to assist both parties in reaching a labor agreement. Gregory Poland, chief regional mediator for PERB, has been assigned to our negotiation; he has scheduled a meeting of the negotiating teams for late February. Thank you for your patience as this process unfolds.

PERB has provided us with some sense of what to expect from the mediation process. At the first of up to three meetings allotted by PERB, Mr. Poland will attempt to understand our negotiations to date. His function is to assist the parties in reaching their own voluntary agreement. To that end, he will bring to bear his creativity, expertise, problem-solving and consensus building skills.

While we are certainly hopeful that mediation will help us find our way forward to a mutually agreeable contract, should that not be the case, PERB offers additional steps that we can access. For now, our focus is on giving the mediation process every opportunity to succeed.

I recognize the stress and unease of working without a contract. Despite these circumstances, our commitment to our students is unwavering—and I see that commitment every day in how you teach and serve our remarkable students. Thank you. Your dedication is appreciated.

Anne M. Kress
President
01/31/2013