Subject: Re: Reasons to Reject LCC Salary Take-back!

Date: Wed, 14 Feb 2001 19:16:55 -0800

From: "Francis Rossini" <RossiniF@lanecc.edu>

To: LCC Faculty

I recently gave notice to the college of my intent to take early retirement

after twenty-one years here at the college and thirty-five years in the

profession. It was not an easy decision to come to, but it was made easier

by the "take back" of step increases. Having already given back part of my

retirement benefits in bargaining a few years ago, I felt this recent action

was another step in the erosion of good faith bargaining here at LCC. As I

considered early retirement, I noted that our agreement with the college

regarding early retirement would end in June, 2002. Part of that agreement

calls for the college to make a contribution to cover the cost of medical

insurance for myself and my family. Faced with the likely prospect that the

college will try to take back those benefits as it has done with step

increases, I decided to retire now. Thirty years ago, I was involved in a

long and divisive teachers' strike. I learned that those who praise our

dedication and service will not always provide rewards commensurate with

that praise. I agree with Jim Salt that the college's actions deserve

serious thought and action on our part.

Frank Rossini