By Joe Ragusa
NORMAL – A federal mediator is being brought in for the second time to help Heartland Community College administrators and faculty reach an agreement on a new contract.
Heartland Faculty Association vice president Jane Camp said she’s optimistic about Friday’s mediation session.
“But there needs to be a financial increase by the college and we need to feel that they’re committed to the investment in faculty,” Camp said.
Camp said the college needs to recognize that the current offer from administrators doesn’t even cover the rising cost of healthcare. The most recent offer was a one percent pay increase this year and next year but Camp said the union isn’t ready to discuss a second year.
“To negotiate for a second year would mean that we would have to see substantial changes in this year’s contract negotiations and what they’re willing to do for us now” Camp said.
Camp said the faculty association has come down from its original offer of a 4.5 percent raise this year but wouldn’t go into specifics, saying that the union has made a significant compromise. Earlier this week, Heartland Community College president Rob Widmer said the two sides were still far apart.
The contract that expired June 30 was a five-year contract, Camp said. Faculty have been working without a contract since that date.
The union could go on strike as early as next Friday but the administration still plans on holding classes if that happens. A special Heartland Community College board of trustees meeting has been scheduled Monday to finalize plans for a potential strike.
Joe Ragusa can be reached at joe.ragusa@cumulus.com.
