The San Mateo County Community College District reached a new contract agreement with one of its three employee unions this week. Meanwhile, the district’s faculty union is preparing to strike if it does not reach a deal. 

After three months without a contract, the district approved a deal with the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Local 839 union, or AFSCME Local 839.

Under the three-year agreement, members will receive a 4% salary increase in the first year, then 3% increases in each of the following two years. Additionally, members will get a one-time $3,000 check in November as a bonus.

“We are especially pleased that employees covered by this contract will receive a well-deserved raise and a one-time payment in time for the holiday season,” Chancellor Melissa Moreno said on Wednesday.

However, other unions in the district are still in negotiations to reach a contract agreement. 

The American Federation of Teachers Union Local AFT1493 includes faculty across all three community college campuses in the district — Skyline College, College of San Mateo, and Cañada College. 

Hundreds of faculty rallied on Wednesday in front of the district offices to demand livable wages that keep up with inflation. 

Wednesday was the district’s scheduled “flex day,” when classes pause and faculty, staff and administrators hold meetings focused on professional development activities. Instead of participating, members of AFT1493 boycotted flex day. 

The union members have been out of contract since July 1 despite holding 20 negotiation meetings to reach an agreement. 

“We are prepared to strike!” yelled the hundreds of faculty members at the rally. “Melissa Moreno, take a hike!”

The district’s board of trustees will review AFSCME Local 439’s contract for approval on October 29. 

For AFT1493, the next scheduled contract negotiation will be held Oct. 24. 

In a statement, the district said it is still committed to reaching an agreement with AFT1493.

“The District looks forward to continuing productive discussions with its other labor partners to achieve agreements that reflect a balance of fairness, sustainability, and a shared commitment to student success.”

Alise Maripuu is an intern at BCN with a focus on covering the Peninsula. Originally from San Carlos, Alise discovered her passion for journalism after studying abroad in Thailand during her senior year attending UC Santa Cruz. Her experience in Thailand taught her the consequences for democracy when living in a society with strict laws against free speech. After graduating with a bachelor’s degree in history, Alise took courses in journalism at Skyline Community College to learn how to write for news. As the Chief Copy Editor on Skyline’s student-run newspaper for the 2023-24 school year, Alise gained editing and managing experience leading a team of reporters. She covered hyperlocal stories affecting her campus such as the rise in food and housing insecurity. Alise wants to focus on data journalism.