Adjunct College of the Desert professors protest ‘unfair pay practices’

Adjunct professors at College of the Desert gathered at the school Friday morning to protest ” unfair wages and benefits. ”

Adjuncts are part-time faculty who, according to the College of the Desert Adjunct Association, ” Perform the same work as full-time faculty yet only receive a little more than half the pay per hour taught in the classroom. ”

Protesters told News Channel 3 compared to other local community colleges, adjunct professors at COD are ranked lowest in terms of pay equality to full-time staff professors.

Mark Zacovic , Interim Vice President of Human Resources and Employee Relations at COD sent a statement to News Channel 3 regarding the protest.

” The first priority for everyone who works at College of the Desert is the achievement of our students’ educational goals.
We must also be committed to the responsible and effective development and management of resources.

The Superintendent/President must manage these two strategic goals that have been identified by the Board of Trustees. Our faculty, staff, and administrators are responsible leaders who effectively implement programs in support of student learning and efficient college operations.

We continue to work with the COD Adjunct Association to come to a negotiated agreement. ”