Colleagues,
The Board of Trustees met last night (6/27). I used my time before the board to voice support for the OPTs.
This is a negotiation year for them. Three weeks ago they reached a tentative agreement with the College but the membership voted the contract down. The primary issue was pay. OPTs at the bottom of the scale would have seen a less than $10/week increase in their pay.
So both sides are back to the bargaining table today.
I therefore encouraged the Board to rethink its approach to negotiations and to be more generous to this very important and under-compensated employee group.
All of this was against the backdrop of the Board’s agenda last night, which included a proposed renewal of the president’s contract. It approved a 1.5% pay increase ($214,307 to $217,522) along with a $12,000 deferred compensation bonus. That package was approved by a 6-1 vote.
Seems the College can afford a better deal for the OPTs.
Dr. David Fitzpatrick
History Instructor
Faculty President
Washtenaw Community College
Washtenaw Community College Education Association 