The faculty and advisors of the College of the Florida Keys (CFK) are leaving in droves. Living here is becoming increasingly expensive and many of us must take on second or third jobs to make ends meet. Worst of all, our students are the ones footing the bill. They deserve better and so do we.

We have been attempting to negotiate a contract since March. The college has refused to bargain salaries, presenting us with the same inadequate offer the entire time and rejecting all of our compromising proposals. On November 21, CFK will take us before a special magistrate hearing and attempt to force us to accept whatever terms they want. Only the CFK Board of Trustees, who will have the final say, can help us. We need your help getting their attention. We need to show them that our community has our back.

CFK insists on a new salary schedule that provides a measly average raise of 1.7% for faculty. In the last two years, rental prices in South Florida have risen 20%! And the college has the money. Our proposals have all come in under budget for what CFK allotted for faculty salaries this year. They simply want to spend the money elsewhere. We are not their piggy bank. This institution would cease to exist without the dedication of exceptional faculty and staff. We do so much more than teach our students. We are coaches, counselors, advocates, and shoulders to lean on. We go above and beyond, and we shouldn't have to work extra jobs or worry about having to pack up and leave. Help us make the Board of Trustees understand this! Let them hear the voices of the community they serve.