Classified association moves to open contract bargaining

Open contract bargaining sessions between the classified association and the MHCC administration are being held in the district board room this year.

“So far, we have had three meetings with (the) administration. We have brought articles and proposals and they have brought proposals and counter-proposals,” said Catherine Nichols, classified association president. “It’s a give-and-take thing.”

There are five sessions scheduled, starting 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Tuesday. Additional sessions will be 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Feb. 27 and 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. on March 12, March 19 and April 10.

Guests are welcome to listen but no outside input or questions are allowed during bargaining sessions.

Nichols said the talks are progressing in timely fashion.

“We can’t negotiate during first two weeks of a term,” she said. “It is too hectic; there are always too many things going on.”

So far, there has been tentative agreement on five (contract) articles, Nichols said. “Both sides have made offers and counter-offers. We have people working 24/7.”

Classified employees are all staff members who are not administrators, faculty or part-time faculty members, including facilities workers, custodians, library assistants, and the staff working in admissions and records, financial aid, the business office, public safety and college safety, Nichols said

Nichols said her goal is to end with a good contract.

‘There shouldn’t be any ambiguity; the contract says what it means. Different people shouldn’t have different meanings on what it says,” she said.

Nichols expects the administration’s team to offer several proposals on financial elements of the contract. She’s optimistic the two sides will strike a fair deal, in the end.

“I have a good team, and they have a good team,” said Nichols.