Union takes claims vs. Palomar to labor board

[Omaha Steve]

http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/northcounty/20080214-9999-1mi14smpalo.html

By Linda Lou
UNION-TRIBUNE STAFF WRITER

February 14, 2008

SAN MARCOS – Palomar College's faculty union has accused the community college of unfair labor practices for allegedly bargaining in “bad faith” on a forthcoming contract.

A list of allegations was filed Monday by the Palomar Faculty Federation with the state Public Employment Relations Board. The union represents 1,100 faculty members, 300 of whom work full-time and 800 part-time.

The last salary increase – a 5.92 percent cost-of-living raise for the 2006-07 school year – was approved in December 2006, said Shannon Lienhart, co-president of the faculty union. Last month's bargaining session didn't go well, she said, and the next one is scheduled for today.

The union alleges in the document to the state labor board that illegal conduct occurred during the past 16 months of bargaining with college President Bob Deegan; John Tortarolo, vice president of human resources; and Bonnie Dowd, vice president of finance and administrative services.

“The district has been served, and the district is waiting for PERB notification,” Dowd said on behalf of Palomar's administration yesterday. “The district will vigorously contest these charges.”

Dowd is filling in for Deegan, who has been attending a summit hosted by the Association of Community College Trustees this week and is expected to return today. Deegan could not be reached for comment yesterday.

FULL story at link.