Quick take:
The Cabrillo College faculty union, which represents more than 450 members, declared impasse amid its negotiations with the school's administration this week. Faculty say they're asking for a higher cost-of-living increase.
For the first time in its history, the Cabrillo College faculty union declared an impasse Tuesday amid its contract negotiations with the school’s administration.
Union president Greg Hanle said faculty asked for a higher cost-of-living increase than the college has offered.
He said while he’s not certain why this is the first time the union has reached impasse, he noted the other area public school districts who have also reached this stage, like Pajaro Valley Unified School District. He also pointed to the rising cost of living.
“I know things are tight as far as what the faculty have experienced and what the district’s budget has been,” he said. “So it could just be the fact that there’s less wiggle room than there has been in the past.”
The union, the Cabrillo College Federation of Teachers, represents more than 450 teachers, counselors, librarians, and other employees like athletic coaches. The current three-year contract was reached in 2025 and expires in 2028, but the union reopened several topics this year, including workload, compensation and working conditions. The union started bargaining for those items in February.
Cabrillo officials say they’ve negotiated in good faith throughout the process and are “disappointed” they couldn’t avoid an impasse. Still, they’re committed to reaching an agreement.
“We have deep respect for our faculty and recognize their value to the District,” said Dr. Jenn Capps, Cabrillo Superintendent and President, in a statement. “With challenging budget years ahead, we want to be good stewards of the District’s limited financial resources, while treating all employee groups fairly and equitably.”
The Public Employment Relations Board is reviewing the union’s declaration of impasse and if the board approves it, they’ll assign a state-appointed mediator to help the school and union reach an agreement.
