Following several months of what United Faculty Executive Director Jeffrey Michels described as “intense and sometimes difficult bargaining,” members of the Contra Costa Community College District Governing Board ratified the agreement negotiated with the United Faculty to increase the salary schedule for both full and part-time faculty during its meeting Wednesday, Oct. 7.

“This is a good raise this year, and we appreciate it,” said Michels to members of the Board following their decision. “Investing in employees is good for students.”

According to the Sept. 24 edition of the UF Newsletter “Table Talk,” in accordance with the agreement, retroactive to July 1, 2015, salaries will increase 5 percent overall, although there may be some variations based on full-time and part-time employment.

“We’re all glad the agreement has been reached,” said LMC President Bob Kratochvil, adding that not only the monies being available by the district “warranted” the salary increases, but was also “good for morale.”

In addition to a boost in morale, Executive Vice Chancellor Gene Huff said the change will “supply financial relief” to those who have gone so long without a rise in their salaries. With the exception of a small 2 percent increase in 2013, Huff said there has not been an increase in the schedules since 2008 when the economy took a turn for the worst.

“It’s been a substantial amount of time since the last salary increase,” said Huff. “The district is very happy to be able provide that kind of increase for our employees.”

This increase will help not only those currently employed by the district, but the many new full time employees that are expected to be hired in the future.

“It makes us a more attractive employer,” said Huff, who added that the district plans to hire 50 new full-time employees by the Fall 2016.

“Faculty are working harder than ever these days,” said Michels. “But a good raise and new hires are a boost to morale.  And good teachers become great teachers when they feel supported.”

While details on when the increase will first appear on faculty paychecks are still uncertain, Michels said in an email to UF members that “the retroactive portion of the salary increase will likely come in the October 31 paycheck for full-time faculty and the November paycheck for part-time faculty.”

For more on the recent ratification, as well as additional information on the United Faculty, visit uf4cd.org or contact the main office at 680-1771.