Lakeland teachers poised for strike

Lakeland Community College’s teachers’ association on Aug. 16 issued a “10-day strike notice,” according to a statement from the Lakeland Faculty Association.

“The current contract between the Lakeland Faculty Association (LFA) and Lakeland Community College has expired,” the statement reads. “The LFA and the college have been working with a federal mediator since the college declared an impasse in negotiations on Aug. 7.”

Although the association’s statement reserves its right to strike and picket, it does not mean the body has voted to do so.

The LFA statement indicates that, “in the meantime, faculty continue to work in good faith preparing for the fall 2017 semester.”

Should an agreement not be reached, Wednesday’s statement would give the college’s faculty the right to strike and picket beginning Aug. 26, the first day of fall semester, it shows.

In response, Lakeland issued a statement via email.

“The current collective bargaining agreement between Lakeland Community College and the Lakeland Faculty Association, representing the College’s 129 full-time faculty, expired on Aug. 15 of this year,” it reads. “Contract negotiations are continuing, and it is the College’s sincere hope to reach a new agreement prior to the start of fall classes.”