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COCC and Classified Association Reach Tentative Agreement

April 1, 2026

Central Oregon Community College and the Classified Association of COCC (CACOCC/OEA) have reached a tentative agreement on a new collective bargaining contract for 2025-2028, following ongoing negotiations. The tentative agreement is subject to ratification by union membership and approval by the COCC board of directors. 

“We are pleased to have reached a tentative agreement through continued dialogue and good-faith negotiations,” said Greg Pereira, COCC president. “This agreement reflects a shared commitment to supporting our employees while maintaining the college’s responsibility to students and the long-term health of the institution.” 

The agreement outlines a 3-year contract and includes a wage and step increase totaling approximately $1.9 million over a 3-year contract period, including additional benefits to classified employees. The tentative agreement includes:

  • Compensation: A 6% wage increase in the first year, 4.5% increase in the second and 4.5% increase in the third year of the contract.
  • Benefits: The agreement also includes a change to tiered insurance rates for the classified bargaining members. This allows savings to these employees and the college.

Negotiations between the college and the union have been ongoing for more than a year under Oregon’s public collective bargaining framework, with recent mediation sessions helping both parties move toward resolution.

“We appreciate the time, effort and collaboration from all involved in reaching this tentative agreement,” said Erica Skatvold, chair of the COCC board of directors. “Our focus throughout this process has been to support our employees while ensuring we remain financially sustainable and able to serve our students and community. We are grateful to have the opportunity to bring this to closure.” 

CACOCC members are reviewing the tentative agreement the afternoon of April 1 and will be voting this evening. If ratified by CACOCC, and approved by the COCC board of directors, the agreement will take effect as of July 1, 2025 and continue through June 30, 2028.