Groundrules broken on COD contract talks
Ground rules broken on COD contract talks
President Breuder’s war of words in his campaign to deannex the College of DuPage from the village of Glen Ellyn has been well documented. Now he has turned his guns against his own employees, using the college’s website to launch a public-relations campaign against the College of DuPage Faculty Association in the ongoing and protracted contract negotiations between the college and the full-time faculty; the last contract expired in July 2011.
The college’s shared values of respect, honesty and integrity appear to be held in scant regard by this president. The statement is in clear violation of the ground rules forbidding any public dissemination of details during the negotiations, and appeared the day after the latest board meeting at which one COD trustee requested that no public comments be issued while negotiations are ongoing.
In contrast, the negotiations team for CODFA has abided strictly by the ground rules, not even informing its own members of specifics until two weeks ago, and only after giving the requisite 48 hours notice of its intent to do so. The president is claiming to be protecting the taxpayers’ interests in these contract negotiations.
However, closer analysis reveals that the fiscal austerity directed toward the faculty stands in stark contrast to the liberal use of taxpayers’ money elsewhere on campus. For example, some $9 million has been budgeted for landscaping in 2012. Also, a “water feature” and a Ravinia-esque outdoor performing space now dot the landscape; a professionally staffed, fine-dining restaurant is supported directly out of the education fund.
I believe the taxpayers would prefer to see their money supporting excellent education of their students in the classroom, rather than ornamental parks and gardens. The hardworking faculty at COD deserve to be treated respectfully in accord with the college’s stated values.
Richard H. Jarman
Professor, Chemistry
College of DuPage
Glen Ellyn