Negotiations broke down between Portland Community College (PCC) staff and administration in late March, leading to staff strikes at PCC. Staff organized with Portland Community College’s Federation of Faculty and Academic Professionals (FFAP) and the Federation of Classified Employees (FCE), who combined represent over 2,300 employees at PCC. Strikes began on March 11, with workers demanding improved cost-of-living salaries to match inflation and better benefits.
Initial strikes led to the cancellation of classes, impacting more than 30,000 students. However, many students expressed support for staff, joining them with picket signs in the strike, even with the impact of the walkouts in mind. Students reported missing final exams and final grades and having complications with financial aid packages for the spring term.
The strikes also drew the attention of local government officials who urged PCC to support the strikers. The protests reflect a widespread problem of the budget being cut from educational programs in the United States. These budget cuts affect staff and students alike, and critics have been vocal in demanding that government fund the budgets accordingly.
The strike ultimately led to a negotiated 2 percent increase in compensation for year one and 3 percent in year two. Staff also negotiated for pay lost during the strike, resulting in lump payments of $5,475 for faculty members, $5,000 for academic professionals and $1,400 for part-time academic professionals. Staff are expected to return promptly to resume work and ensure that winter grades are in for students.
PCC reported $14.7 million in cost reductions to balance its current biennium budget after overspending by $26 million last year. The college is now projecting a $37 million budget cut over the next two years. PCC’s president, Adrien Bennings, spoke out after the settlement was reached.
“We are pleased to be moving forward and refocusing on our core mission of educating students and serving our community. At the same time, our hearts are heavy because we know that this agreement is so far outside of our budget that it will result in significant additional cuts in the future.”
PCC listed a 10 percent drop in enrollment, which the college has attributed to the strikes. PCC intends to condense their spring term into a 10-week period, starting most classes on April 6, instead of the intended March 30. With the continued financial cuts to educational programs across the United States, this may be the first of many strikes seen at community colleges in Oregon.
