DCC and DUE Announce Five-year Agreement

POUGHKEEPSIE – Dutchess Community College (DCC) and Dutchess United Educators (DUE), the union which represents the College’s full- and part-time faculty as well as non-teaching staff, have reached a five-year agreement. The contract provides annual step increases in pay and service for DUE members, as well as a 12% salary increase over the life of the contract.

The agreement has been ratified by the DUE membership and approved by the College’s Board of Trustees as well as the Dutchess County Legislature.

“I am delighted that we have reached an agreement with our DUE faculty and staff and are able to provide them with this well-deserved compensation package,” said DCC President Peter Grant Jordan. “I’m also grateful for the patience of our colleagues and share my deepest appreciation for the diligent, collaborative efforts of our negotiating teams.”

The teams included, from the College’s administration, attorney Stuart Waxman, lead negotiator; Maria Boada, former dean of academic affairs; Marc Bowman, associate vice president of human resources and chief diversity officer; and Donna Rocap, associate vice president of administration/finance. DUE was represented by Dr. Leah Akins, professor of engineering, who served as lead negotiator; Dr. Laura Murphy, professor of history, and chair of the DUE negotiating team; Dr. Linda Gaines, academic coach; Danielle Williams-Bell, director of scheduling; and Wesley J. Lee, part-time professor of government. Ron Dunn served as DUE’s attorney, while Executive Assistant Leigh Williams served as recording secretary.

“This is a major accomplishment for our members and ultimately, it benefits our students as well,” said Dr. Werner Steger, DUE’s chair. “Having this process behind us assures that our faculty and staff can focus fully on the education and career goals of our students. I thank the board of trustees and county legislature for working to ratify this agreement expeditiously.”

“DCC is fortunate to have many wonderful resources,” added DCC Board Chair Michael Francis Dupree. “While having an advanced, well-equipped campus is important to serving the educational needs of our community, buildings don’t teach students – teachers do. I’m very pleased to know that our faculty and staff are compensated fairly for the critical, life-changing work they provide.”