The fulltime faculty at the Maine Community College System have been working without a contract since July 1, 2024. Meanwhile, the System has experienced record enrollments. Unfortunately, this record growth in enrollment has not been met with hiring record numbers of fulltime faculty. This has meant increased demands on faculty. Despite these demands, the faculty have been instrumental in supporting students’ success.
Community College full time faculty are the lowest paid in New England. Nine out of ten faculty report having to seek additional employment to meet the increased cost of living. In the last 15 years, faculty have received an average wage increase of 0.33% annually in real dollars. Many of the experienced faculty with twenty plus years of service with the System have considered seeking other employment. This would negatively impact program continuity for students.
The Maine Community College System is a major economic driver in the state. The System graduates large numbers of students that go right into Maine’s workforce contributing to the economy. However, that cannot happen without the dedication of the faculty.
Please support the fulltime faculty in their efforts to negotiate their contract by emailing MCCS President David Daigler, the Board of Trustees and Governor Janet Mills. Tell them that too much time has passed, and the fulltime faculty deserve a fair contract now.
