Update: College Faculty Approve Union

Update: With additional comments from San Juan College. Of the 147 individuals eligible to vote, 128 ballots were cast.  87 (68%) voted for unionization and 41 (32%) voted against.  

Wednesday, December 4, 2019

San Juan College President Dr. Toni Hopper Pendergrass released a statement this evening confirming that full-time faculty at the college had voted to approve collective bargaining.

Ballots were cast on Tuesday, December 3, 2019 and today, Wednesday, December 4, 2019.  All full-time faculty and faculty administrators were eligible to vote.  The bargaining unit did not include adjunct faculty, professional or support staff at the college.  

Of the 147 individuals eligible to vote, 128 ballots were cast.  87 (68%) voted for unionization and 41 (32%) voted against.  

Pendergrass said in a statement "Please know that our leadership team respects the faculty’s decision in this matter.   We will continue to work with them for the benefit of our students, the college and our community."

From San Juan College

Thursday, December 5, 2019:

Faculty at San Juan College voted in favor of collective bargaining. Ballots were cast on December 3 and 4, in the Henderson Fine Arts Center.

Full-time faculty including faculty administrators were eligible to vote. The bargaining unit did not include adjunct faculty, professional or support staff. Of the 147 eligible to vote, 128 of ballots were cast with 87 voting for unionization, and 41 voting against. A simple majority of the votes cast determined the outcome in favor of unionization.  The San Juan College Labor Board will certify the results.

“We respect the faculty’s decision in this matter, and we will continue to work with them for the benefit of our students, the college and our community,” said Dr. Toni Hopper Pendergrass, president of San Juan College.

“It is not unusual for faculty to be represented by unions in educational institutions,” added Dr. Adrienne Forgette, Vice President for Learning at San Juan College. “We will continue to include faculty in decisions regarding our educational programs and other matters that impact their work.”

 

More from Local News

  • Former Dallas Cowboy Shiyazh Pete visits Alma Mater: Shiprock High School

    Shiyazh Pete went on from Shiprock High to play college football at New Mexico State University and the University of Kentucky before signing and training with the Dallas Cowboys as an undrafted free agent. He returned to Shiprock High School to share what he learned along the way and to encourage Chieftain students and athletes as they begin a new season.

  • Judge: SunRay Can't Move Horse Racing & Casino to Clovis

    In February, San Juan County Commissioners voted to seek judicial review of the New Mexico Racing Commission’s decision to authorize Western Gaming to move its racing license to Clovis, NM. The Racing Commission’s decision, at the request of Western Gaming, would have ended San Juan County’s long heritage of horse racing at a county-owned facility.

  • NM Rep. Joseph Hernandez Ends Re-Election Campaign

    In his statement, Hernandez says, "At this time, I believe the best decision for me and those I love is to focus on my health and my family, while continuing to serve the community that entrusted me with this office through the remainder of my term."

  • Suspect Arrested after Sexual Assault

    During the investigation, officers learned that a male and female who knew each other had been in the area of the disc golf course. Neither individual was a student or staff member of San Juan College. The female victim reported that an altercation occurred between her and the male, Tyson Saggboy. She reported that Saggboy battered her, removed her clothing, and strangled her before fleeing the scene.

  • Ground Broken for new STEAM Education Building at Navajo Prep

    The new Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) Facility will provide expanded space for Navajo Prep’s International Baccalaureate program and career-focused pathways.

  • Farmington Man Sentenced on Child Porn Conviction

    Earlier this week, Jacob Marriott was sentenced after pleading guilty to 4 counts of Manufacturing of Child Pornography (2nd Degree Felony), 1 count of Possession of Child Pornography (4th Degree Felony), and 2 counts of Voyeurism of a Child Under 18 (3rd Degree Felony).

On KSJE Now:

KSJE Radio App

Get the KSJE Radio App

  • Available on the App Store
  • Available on Google Play

Today's Weather

  • Farmington, NM

    Sunny intervals

    High: 91°F | Low: 57°F

  • Durango, CO

    Sunny intervals

    High: 86°F | Low: 50°F

  • Shiprock, NM

    Sunny intervals

    High: 93°F | Low: 59°F

  • Cortez, CO

    Sunny intervals

    High: 90°F | Low: 55°F

  • Santa Fe, NM

    Thundershower

    High: 88°F | Low: 59°F