LTCC classified staff about to have initial contract

Lake Tahoe Community Colleges’ classified staff is about to have its first contract.

The group officially organized to establish a union in August 2011. They have been working with the college since then to create a contract.

In the first go-round discussions reached impasse regarding health and welfare, and binding arbitration.

The board of trustees discussed the contract at the March 25 meeting and is expected to approve it at the April 8 meeting. The union still needs to ratify the contract.

Health benefits starting July 1 will be capped at $17,496 a year. The district is paying 100 percent of the standard health plan for employees. Employees have the option to pay $158/month for the premium plan.

The board was against binding arbitration, believing instead elected officials should have final say regarding grievance and discipline issues.

No raises are part of the deal because the South Lake Tahoe institution is still experiencing declining enrollment and other budgetary issues.

— Lake Tahoe News staff report