COCC & Classified Association Reach Tentative Agreement

Three-year contract includes wage and benefit increases for classified employees

Apr. 2, 2026 at 5:39pm

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Central Oregon Community College (COCC) and the Classified Association of COCC (CACOCC/OEA) have reached a tentative agreement on a new collective bargaining contract for 2025-2028, following ongoing negotiations. The tentative agreement is subject to ratification by union membership and approval by the COCC Board of Directors.

Why it matters

The agreement reflects a shared commitment between COCC and its classified employees to support workers while maintaining the college's financial sustainability and ability to serve students and the community. Reaching a tentative deal after over a year of negotiations is an important milestone for both parties.

The details

The tentative agreement includes a three-year contract with a 6% wage increase in the first year, 4.5% increases in the second and third years, as well as changes to tiered insurance rates that will provide savings to classified employees and the college. Negotiations between COCC and the union have been ongoing for over a year under Oregon's public collective bargaining framework, with recent mediation sessions helping both parties move toward resolution.

  • The tentative agreement is subject to ratification by CACOCC members on April 1, 2026.
  • If ratified by CACOCC and approved by the COCC Board of Directors, the agreement will take effect on July 1, 2025 and continue through June 30, 2028.

The players

Greg Pereira

COCC president.

Erica Skatvold

Chair of the COCC Board of Directors.

CACOCC/OEA

The Classified Association of COCC, the union representing classified employees at the college.

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What they’re saying

“We are pleased to have reached a tentative agreement through continued dialogue and good-faith negotiations. This agreement reflects a shared commitment to supporting our employees while maintaining the College's responsibility to students and the long-term health of the institution.”

— Greg Pereira, COCC president

“We appreciate the time, effort and collaboration from all involved in reaching this tentative agreement. Our focus throughout this process has been to support our employees while ensuring we remain financially sustainable and able to serve our students and community. We are grateful to have the opportunity to bring this to closure.”

— Erica Skatvold, Chair of the COCC Board of Directors

What’s next

CACOCC members are reviewing the tentative agreement the afternoon of April 1, 2026 and will be voting on it that evening. If ratified by CACOCC, and approved by the COCC Board of Directors, the agreement will take effect as of July 1, 2025 and continue through June 30, 2028.

The takeaway

This tentative agreement between COCC and its classified employees' union demonstrates the college's commitment to supporting its workforce while maintaining financial sustainability and the ability to serve students and the broader community. The collaborative negotiation process, which included mediation, has helped both parties reach a mutually beneficial resolution.