MPC faculty and labor leaders march for a new contract and higher wages.

It was a march of only about a half-mile, but for the faculty of Monterey Peninsula College it represented a much longer journey toward their goal of achieving a new contract.

After a daylong meeting on Monday, June 11 between faculty, the MPC administration and a state mediator proved fruitless, about 100 teachers, students and union members from throughout the region met at the corner of Fremont Street and El Estero Boulevard in Monterey at 6pm for speeches and a march up to the campus.

The crowd marched two-by-two, led by a banner that read, “Happy teachers, happy students.”

Teachers have been decidedly unhappy for the last five years they have worked without a contract at salaries that are near the bottom of other California community colleges.

For the past year the Monterey Peninsula College Teachers Association has put the pressure on President Walt Tribley and the administration to negotiate a new contract.

On Monday they made it clear they are gearing up for a prolonged and vigorous fight, joined by labor leaders, politicians and others who pledged they will fight with them.

“We need you, and we need you to be treated fairly,” Monterey County Supervisor Mary Adams told teachers.

“This is not just an attack on you guys it’s an attack on the community,” said former MPC student Michael Hsu, speaking through a bullhorn.

Adams and Hsu were joined by other speakers, including Monterey Mayor Clyde Roberson, Monterey City Council candidate Tyller Williamson, Cesar Lara of the Monterey Bay Labor Council, and others, including MPCTA leaders Alan Haffa and Lauren Blanchard.

Representatives from other faculty unions in the region—including Hartnell, Cabrillo and Gavilan colleges and CSU Monterey Bay—were also marching with the group.

Tribley issued a statement on Tuesday saying that the district is open to working with the faculty to reach an agreement.

"We are keenly aware of the very important and effective work they do for our students and will continue to search for ways to increase compensation," he said.

With mediation failing to produce a contract, the next step is fact finding, during which a committee that includes representatives from the MPC district, the MPCTA and the state study the issue and find potential areas of compromise.

The two sides could choose to go back into negotiations, or the district could issue a final offer, leaving the union to take it or go on strike. It’s a lengthy process that could take months.

Editor's Note: This post was updated to include a statement by MPC President Walt Tribley.