Students at Central Oregon Community College's Madras campus are watching the calendar closely this week as a potential faculty strike looms just days away.

Members of the COCC Faculty Forum voted nearly unanimously — roughly 96% in favor — earlier this month to authorize a strike. The union has notified the college that faculty intend to walk off the job on Monday, October 5 if a new contract agreement isn't reached at the bargaining table.

What's the Dispute About?

The core issue is compensation. Faculty union leaders say COCC instructors are paid significantly less than colleagues at comparable community colleges across Oregon, making it difficult to recruit and retain experienced educators in a region with a high cost of living.

"This fight is bigger than one contract. It is a fight for working people across Central Oregon to earn a fair wage and build a life in the communities they serve." — Enrique Farrera, President, Oregon Education Association

What Happens If Faculty Strike?

A faculty strike — unlike a classified workers' action — would likely halt classes at all COCC campuses, including Madras. It would be only the second faculty strike at a community college in Oregon history. The first occurred earlier this year at Portland Community College, where faculty spent several weeks on picket lines before reaching a contract.

COCC administration has urged students not to assume classes are canceled unless they receive direct notification from the college.

"We know the possibility of a strike creates uncertainty. Our students have worked hard to get to this point, and our priority is helping them continue making progress toward their educational goals." — COCC President Greg Pereira

What Madras Campus Students Should Do Now

  • Monitor your COCC email for direct updates about your individual courses.
  • Watch for official announcements at cocc.edu.
  • Know that COCC campuses and student services will remain open and available even if a strike occurs.
  • Reach out to your instructor or advisor now if you have concerns about course continuity.

The Madras campus serves Jefferson County students pursuing transfer degrees, professional-technical certificates, and continuing education. Many have families, jobs, and limited flexibility to absorb mid-term disruptions to their coursework.

Negotiations between the Faculty Forum and COCC administration are ongoing. If the two sides reach a deal before October 5, the strike would be called off. The Madras Bulletin will continue monitoring this situation as the deadline approaches.