FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 26, 2011
CONTACT: Sara Williams
PHONE: 503-491-7475
mhcc_faculty@hotmail.com
PORTLAND, ORE.— Today, the full-time faculty of MHCC learned that the college is planning to hire “permanent full-time replacement” faculty in the event of a legal strike by the Association. The disrespect for the students of MHCC, their future careers and the programs that they are attracted to at our college should be disturbing to all the citizens of our community. There is no doubt that this is terrible news for our faculty, who have dedicated their careers to MHCC and our students. We, along with our part-time faculty and classified staff colleagues, have built an educational institution that we all hold deep respect for.
Quality education is not built overnight; it’s not found by hiring scab labor from online job postings such as Craigslist or rushing to fill an empty classroom with an instructor who is ill-prepared for the job. The College’s threat to replace full-time faculty with scab labor is a rejection of a shared commitment to quality public higher education in East Multnomah County. It is a demonstration that the College Board and its union busting attorney are engaging in a destructive pattern of behavior that will serve only to drive students, faculty and staff from our institution.
Like all employees who hold a certain level of pride in their jobs – we do not consider ourselves “replaceable.” As instructors, we’ve developed and perfected our programs, disciplines, and curriculum; we’ve nurtured our students’ learning and have helped guide them into successful careers; faculty and staff are the reason that MHCC provides incredible post-secondary education in our community.
We have spent our careers ensuring that our students receive quality instruction, but in order to sustain their education, we are asking the Board to bargain a fair and equitable contract NOW.
Our students, our faculty, our community, and MHCC deserve it.
This is rediculous! The administration is hanging the students, faculty, and themselves.
I, for one, WILL be walking the picket line with fulltime faculty. I WILL be showing my support on and off campus. And, like every other student should, WILL make my voice heard.
I am TIRED of the administration lying, misrepresenting, and misleading the students. I asked a question at the rally on campus last term:
“The mediation groups allow third party involvement if both parties agree. We know the FFA agrees to allow us to try and help to come to agreement. Will you?”
Their answer:
Abridged… Um, maybe, but no.
It’s time for us, as the consumer, to take action. Voice your opinion! Be heard! Let the administration know what you think. Eat lunch outside their offices. Stop in and use their restrooms(it is cleaner). Walk down their hallways. Be seen, Be heard, Be there everywhere they turn.
Thank you,
MHCC Average Student.
I agree! The board is trying to bust the union. They don’t care about the quality of education that we recieve, they only care about controlling the faculty. I’m upset that they paid over $200,00.00 to Randall Stedman to help them do this. That is my tuition, and tax money they used to play politics here at MHCC. I’m also upset that all I get from the Portal are lies and missinformation. What is this, “Junior High School?” I am going to have to tranfer to PCC to get the quality of education that I deseve.