The spokesperson for the Lakeland Faculty Association, Lynne Gabriel, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast and talked about teaching during the pandemic and the impact previous contract negotiations will have on current talks. She also spoke about the items the LFA seeks in a new contract.
The LFA represents the faculty at Lakeland Community College in Kirtland, Ohio.
During the pandemic, it was a struggle to figure out how to properly teach students, Gabriel explained. Thankfully, many of their classes were already hybrid or online before the pandemic began. Following the pandemic, many classes were adjusted to a hybrid or online learning environment to better accommodate the needs of students. She said the main task of the faculty during and after the pandemic has been to ensure the college provides the best options available to students.
The expiring Collective Bargaining Agreement was negotiated in 2020. In the midst of pandemic, talks were only head online, which made them a challenge. According to Gabriel, the negotiations did not go well, and for the first time, extended into the fall semester. Despite the extension, the LFA persevered and earned CBA wins. The spirit of perseverance has prepared the LFA team for potentially extended contract talks this time aground, which is something Gabriel hopes they will avoid.
She then explained the many issues are being discussed during the current contract negotiations. However, the LFA’s primary focus is to improve learning conditions, as the class sizes are too large, and the faculty seek smaller ratios, Gabriel said. Not only would smaller class sizes provide for better educational standards, but also improve overall classroom conditions. The LFA is also seeking better wages and benefits as well, and until all three requests are met, they are willing to wait, she added.
To hear more from Lynne Gabriel, please press the play button above.
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