College Employees Protest Stalled Talks

Angry over stalled contract negotiations that have left them without pay raises, secretaries and maintenance workers picked up placards and protested before the Ventura County Community College District’s governing board.

Clutching hand-painted signs that proclaimed slogans such as “Settle Now,” dozens of classified employees protested late Tuesday that they have been working without a contract for more than 15 months.

“I’m frustrated,” said Candace Peyton, a secretary in the Moorpark College counseling office. “We’re insulted that they have settled with the teachers but they’re dragging their feet with the classified negotiations.”

The picketing followed symbolic work stoppages that occurred at all three of the district’s colleges earlier Tuesday.

College district officials, who have declared an impasse in the contract talks, said there is simply no money for raises for the 360 classified employees, who are members of Service Employees International Union, Local 535.

“If we had the money, definitely I would support the raise,” Trustee Karen M. Boone said Wednesday.

The district is facing an $800,000 deficit that may force officials to dip into district reserves, lay off teachers or other staff members, or close class sections and risk losing students.

But union members are upset that trustees approved a 1% pay hike for teachers, and that they have budgeted money for consultants and travel.

“We’re asking for 2% at a cost of $180,000,” said Jim Crowley, a Moorpark College warehouseman. “That’s birdseed.”