NORTHERN CALIFORNIA — As the Yuba Community College District appeals a state administrative law judge’s ruling that it has violated labor law and workers’ rights, the union representing faculty is planning a rally next week ahead of the district board meeting.

The Faculty Association of Yuba Community College District, or FAYCCD, said its members will gather for a community informational rally at 3:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 12, outside the Starbucks at the Costco Shopping Center in Woodland, 2021 Bronze Star Drive.

The union’s members work across both Yuba Community College and Woodland Community College on campuses located in several counties, and include the Lake County Campus in Clearlake.

Organizers said the event’s goal is to advocate for fair working conditions, fair wages and better benefits.

After passing out informational fliers and talking with members of the community, FAYCCD and supporters will march to Woodland Community College's main campus, where the Yuba College Board of Trustees meeting will begin at 5 p.m. in Community Room 800.

At the board meeting, FAYCCD leadership, faculty, students and community advocates will speak to the board to emphasize the importance of fair labor practices and the impact of the district’s decisions on faculty and students.

FAYCCD said the rally is in response to ongoing negotiations as well as the district's plan to appeal a July decision that found the district engaged in unfair labor practices.

"We believe that the hard work and dedication of Yuba Community College District faculty deserve to be recognized and compensated fairly," said Travis Smith, FAYCCD President. "Our members demand a fair contract now, and we hope this rally sends a strong message that we stand united in our pursuit."

The Public Employment Relations Board, or PERB, handed down a July decision in which it concluded that the district violated the Educational Employment Relations Act by eliminating the right of first refusal and so changing the procedure for assigning classes to full-time faculty without giving FAYCCD the opportunity to bargain the decision or effects of the change, as Lake County News has reported.

As a result, PERB ordered the district to take corrective actions, including ceasing its existing procedures for course assignments and interfering with the association’s representation rights; rescinding its Sept. 1, 2022, elimination of the right of first refusal and reinstate the previous procedures; bargaining in good faith with the association over the relevant articles of the collective bargaining agreement; and compensating the association and affected employees for any losses incurred as a result of the violations, with interest.

Chancellor Dr. Shouan Pan confirmed that the district is appealing the decision.

FAYCCD said its members are seeking to secure a new contract that addresses key issues such as seniority rights and cost of living increases.

Participants in the rally will include FAYCCD employees, FAYCCD representatives, students and community members.

Attendees are encouraged to wear black and red shirts in a sign of solidarity and bring signs to show their support.

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