CCP reviews counterproposal from union as contract expiration looms

PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — As the start of classes looms, contract talks continue between Community College of Philadelphia and the union representing its faculty and staff.

Members of the three bargaining units of AFT Local 2026 held a brief rally before Wednesday's negotiating session. The current contract for 1,400 workers at CCP expires Aug. 31, with the start of classes set for Sept. 3.

In April, the administration offered a three-year contract with 5, 4, and 3% raises. Union Secretary Marissa Johnson-Valenzuela says, on Wednesday, the union responded.

"The counterproposal has wage increases across the board that account for inflation," Johnson-Valenzuela said.

Raquel Brickhouse, co-chair of the unit representing classified employees like custodians, says outside of a living wage, they are fighting for respect.

"They offered us a workshop. We need more than a workshop,” Brickhouse said.

Nwenna Gates, who co-chairs the unit representing adjuncts, says they are not just fighting for their members, they are fighting for the City of Philadelphia and their students. Gates hopes that is recognized.

Dr. Shannon Rooney, CCP's vice president of Enrollment Management and Strategic Communications, said in a statement that the college was reviewing the counterproposals.

“We’re glad to have received counterproposals to the MOAs we proposed in April. We’re in the process of reviewing these proposals and look forward to continuing to have productive conversations with the Federation,"  Rooney said.