Tension Rises at ECC: Administrative Staff Demand Fair Compensation
The atmosphere at SUNY Erie Community College (ECC) has reached a boiling point as administrative workers and the college leadership clash over long-overdue contract negotiations. With a history of instability and a significant gap in agreements, the eyes of the community are now on the upcoming sessions scheduled for May 1 and May 5.
To signal their determination, members of the AAECC UAW Local 3300, along with their supporters, recently staged a peaceful but powerful picket outside the North Campus in Williamsville. The goal? To draw attention to the critical role these workers play in the institution’s daily operations.
The Invisible Engine of ECC
Many students and faculty may not realize the extent of the work performed by the administrative staff. According to Katie Koch, president of AAECC UAW Local 3300, these employees are the backbone of the college.
“We are the administrators of the college. We are the ones that do all the background admissions, financial aid, registrars… everything that gets the students and keeps the students enrolled in college,” Koch explained.
The Core of the Dispute: Wages and Retention
The primary friction point is financial. The union reports a staggering six-year void without a valid contract, leading to a loss of experienced talent due to stagnating wages. The current standoff revolves around two very different visions of “fairness”:
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- The Union’s Proposal: A wage increase of approximately 6.85% annually over the next four years.
- The College’s Offer: A 3.2% annual increase for four years, which President Adiam Tsegai describes as a fair and sustainable rate.
While President Tsegai argues that the union’s demands are “unreasonable and unsustainable,” the workers maintain that their hard work deserves a meaningful adjustment to match the cost of living and professional value.
Legal Tensions and the Path Forward
The dispute has not been without administrative friction. Hayes Dolce LLP, the law firm representing the union, expressed disappointment over the college’s reaction to the informational picket. The firm asserts that the union has respected all ground rules and has refrained from disclosing specific proposal details, focusing instead on the outdated terms of the expired agreement.
Meanwhile, College board president Jeffrey Stone has voiced his support for the bargaining team, emphasizing the need for a deal that balances the workers’ needs with the college’s economic priorities.
What’s Next for SUNY Erie?
The resolution of this conflict is vital not only for the employees but for the overall stability of the State University of New York (SUNY) system within the region. If a deal is not reached, the risk of further staff turnover could impact student services and admissions processes.
As the May 1 and May 5 negotiations approach, the community remains hopeful that both parties can find common ground through the UAW framework to ensure that ECC continues to provide high-quality support for its students.
