by Ben Sheffler
While negotiation for the 2013-14 Pensacola State College faculty contract began in February 2013, the academic year for which the contract was meant for is almost over. And on Wednesday, the faculty voted 53-43 to not ratify the contract.
Part of the contract included a two percent raise for the faculty, which, if passed, would’ve been retroactive to the beginning of the academic year—last August.
The contract would’ve affected some departments more than others. For example, instructors at PSC Collegiate High School would’ve taught a third class during one of the school’s four sessions, resulting in 30 hours of classroom time and five hours for office hours and other professional activities each week. Currently, those instructors spend 20 hours in the classroom and have a combined 15 hours of office hours and other professional activities each week.
Only one other time has a faculty contract not been ratified, according to Paige Anderson, president of the PSC Faculty Association, who said a normal vote has 95 percent approval.
Anderson said she’d be surveying the faculty so that she’ll know what needs to change in the contract to get it passed.
“I really think that what we negotiated was the best we could get,” Anderson said. “We never think every single thing is wonderful; it’s bargaining, and not everyone’s going to be happy.”
The PSCFA and PSC administration will now start the process over, with each side able to open any two articles of the 18 that can be negotiated.