More than half of the classified layoff notices issued in March have been rescinded as Contra Costa Community College District officials work to stabilize the budget while limiting the impact on employees, according to a districtwide human resources email.
Following the Governing Board’s decision to eliminate nine classified positions, District Office Human Resources has begun rescinding notices while working to fill vacancies and implement “bumping” based on seniority under the Local 1 contract. The moves reflect what administrators have described as difficult decisions tied to balancing and improving the district’s budget, even as employees continue to face uncertainty about their jobs.
According to an email from Associate Vice Chancellor of Human Resources Jeffrey Michels, 69 of the 120 layoff notices issued in March have already been rescinded, with more expected as the process continues. The email notes that the district is working through cases in batches based on seniority and acknowledged the stress the situation has caused for many employees.
While the update signals progress, the impact remains personal for many classified professionals navigating the uncertainty.
Renée Skrypnk, administrative assistant for the Office of Planning & Institutional Effectiveness, expressed her concerns about the update. “I started in December and left full-time employment at another school district. I enjoy the position I have and I know I’m doing a good job at what I do, so being let go at this point is disheartening, since I just started,” Skrypnk said.
“I left something permanent to come here. For me, after staying at home for over two decades to look after my kids and family, and now in the workforce, where do I go? I am going to college and working full-time. It is something that worries me as far as what it looks like on my resume. It doesn’t look good for me to be out of work for so long, and coming back to the workforce after being laid off is a concern.”
As employees weigh those concerns, faculty and staff have continued to show support through weekly solidarity breaks held on campus.
Julio Guerrero, chair of the Math Department, attended the latest solidarity break and when asked about why he feels that it’s important for the wider college community to support classified professionals, “They tend to be the first people we see on campus. Think about going to any building, the first person is in Admissions and Records. The math lab coordinator is classified staff, the MESA coordinator, the Early Childhood Department coordinator all classified staff. The first point of contact on campus is with classified staff,” Guerrero said.
“So imagine you’re dropping off your kids, but there’s nobody there taking care of the kids. Going to tutoring, but there’s nobody there to greet you,” he added, highlighting the essential role classified staff play at LMC.
Michael Simpson, LMC Local 1 vice president, also shared concerns about the ongoing situation. “My primary concern is that uncertainty still remains for many employees, especially some of our more vulnerable employees. Even when layoffs are rescinded, the stress and disruption doesn’t disappear. People are left wondering if their jobs will be on the line again next year. I am also concerned about morale and workload, as ongoing instability can lead to burnout and attrition. Until there are clearer commitments to job stability and collaborative decision-making, many employees remain vulnerable,” Simpson said.
