Pomp, circumstance, contract negotiations?
Faculty at Delta College announced they would be boycotting the May 16 Commencement ceremony due to stalled contract negotiations with the district. The announcement came via a press release emailed several hours before the ceremony was scheduled to begin at 6 p.m.
“We are heartbroken that we can’t be there to celebrate our students’ achievements,” Academic Senate President Becky Plaza wrote in the release. “This is a day we all look forward to all year, and it pains us deeply to miss it.”
The boycott comes after less-than-fruitful contract negotiations between the college and the San Joaquin Delta College Teachers Association (SJDCTA). The current contract expires in June, and a deal for a new contract has yet to be reached. At issue are compensation to account for inflation and heavy faculty workloads, according to the release.
“We need an administration that respects and values our contributions,” said Dr. Elizabeth Maloney, President of the SJDCTA, wrote in the release. “It’s time for meaningful dialogue about real numbers, so we can make real progress.”
Negotiations have been ongoing since November, but following what the release describes as a “slap-in-the-face offer” by the college, faculty felt the need to make a strong statement, according to the release.
“We’re hoping this sends a message to the administration that we’re hoping for a fair and equitable deal,” said Plaza when asked for comment. “We hope that the students understand that this decision was made with a heavy heart.”
“Generally we do not comment on ongoing contract negotiations,” said Delta’s Director of Marketing and Communications Alex Breitler when reached for comment. “Tonight we remain focused on celebrating the accomplishments of approximately 1,000 students who are expected to participate in our 89th annual Commencement ceremony. Our students inspire us every day and we commend them for all that they have achieved.”