AFT on Faculty Strike at Green River College

WASHINGTON—Statement by American Federation of Teachers President Randi Weingarten on the three-day strike starting today by the Green River United Faculty Coalition at Green River College in Auburn, Wash.:

“A college is only as good as its course offerings and faculty, and Green River College has cut both irresponsibly, making decisions based on what makes the most money and costs the least. Students are furious they are losing popular courses and programs, morale is at an all-time low and faculty have left due to turnover through firings or resignations. The college’s president continues to engage in unfair labor practices, refusing to consult with faculty, in violation of their contract’s principles of shared governance, and the faculty have voted three times that they have no confidence in the president’s ability to lead. We stand with the faculty, staff and community and hope that the three-day strike will give college leaders a fresh look at their poor decisions that are harming a great college.”