ssociation (BCCFA) and the Rowan College at Burlington County Support Staff Association (RCBCSSA) showed up at the school’s Nov. 28 board of trustees meeting in sunglasses and other sorts of eyewear to make a unified statement about “optics.” The members of the faculty and support staff associations have been working under the terms of contracts that expired in June 2021.
Despite the commitment and dedication of the faculty and staff, the college refuses to provide a settlement above 2.99% because the college doesn’t like the “optics” of a 3% or higher settlement. At a time when educational institutions are struggling to fill positions, the college’s decision to draw this arbitrary line in the sand left members puzzled.
RCBCSSA President Donna Podolski and BCCFA President William Whitfield brought their members to the meeting to show the board that the “optics” of disrespecting quality faculty and staff is worse than the “optics” of paying them fair salaries and benefits.
Both local associations are in mediation with the college, but little to no progress had been made as of press time. The college is demanding increased concessions without improved salaries or benefits.
Podolski and Whitfield say that standing strong together, these two local associations will continue to fight for what is right for their members.