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Guest Column
Faculty member speaks: Why I am willing
to strike
Economics Instructor
I have taught at MHCC for 34 years, more than all but three other faculty members. I am at the top of the pay scale, make a fair living, and have relatively few years before I retire. I am willing to risk everything and strike on May 12. I could easily retire and not worry about the college; life would be much easier.
But MHCC is my family. It has supported me (financially and emotionally) through 34 years of life events – marriage, children, divorce, injuries and more. I have participated in more MHCC activities than anything else. I wake up in the morning and can't wait to go to work. I thrive on teaching at MHCC. I have been proud to be a part of the MHCC family. I knew, when changes would come, I would be treated fairly, as I had seen done with others.
As faculty, staff, and administrators together, we worked to solve our ongoing financial problems. (I NEVER remember the plush times!) Along with other members of the family, I have spent weekends phoning and going door to door for levies and bond measures for the college. I have taken pay freezes, furlough days, and done considerable volunteer work for free. Of course I would – this is my family.
So, why strike? It is to save this institution for those faculty members and staff who will follow me. They deserve the same opportunities that I have had to be treated fairly and earn a reasonable (but not exorbitant) income and retirement. It would be selfish to NOT make conditions better for those who follow. As family, we can work together to solve our current financial difficulties. But once our family is destroyed, MHCC will never be the same. The emotional cost, as well as the financial cost, will be substantial. We must save this important institution so we can continue to assist students in our district.
Hopefully we will reach a settlement before next Thursday morning, May 12, but if not, I will be on the picket line. I know I may lose my job permanently. I will not be there for personal financial gain (although I know I will personally lose), but because I love MHCC.
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