Seattle Central College campus is not safe. We receive regular notifications from the PIO about on-site COVID exposures as well as staff being violently attacked on or near campus. Since March 2020, Capitol Hill has seen a significant increase in crime yet our safety and security office is still understaffed and underfunded.

We are deeply unhappy. The incomplete implementation of ctcLIink coupled with the myriad of ongoing problems has led to the departure of countless students, simple tasks like registering for classes or paying tuition became nearly impossible. Morale has plummeted. Our coworkers are quitting due to overwork and burnout and employees with decades of service are actively seeking employment elsewhere. These are direct results of a continued lack of proper training, accessible resources, and available supports. When we ask for help, we are either ignored entirely or treated with frustration and condescension. As an institution of higher education, the lack of proper instruction is embarrassing and shameful.

Our lives have changed. Many of us are grieving, we have lost family members and coworkers. Our families have experienced changes in living situation, health, childcare, and employment since March 2020. Conversely, many of us have enjoyed the luxury of working free from bigoted micro- and macro-aggressions and those of us with disabilities have enjoyed working in environments built for us, rather than around us. And we have ALL experienced the isolation and fear of a global pandemic.

In order to return to work on September 13, we demand that by September 1, 2021:

Mandated and verified vaccinations for all staff and students (with health/religious exemptions) and mandated masks for all unvaccinated staff and students

Administration will draft and implement a health and safety plan in compliance with WFSE CBA Article 20,

Full staffing in registration, financial aid, cashiering, IT, and safety and security,

Restoration of crucial student services provided by classified staff eliminated during the shutdown, including campus childcare centers and food services,

Expanded options for in-person trainings, drop-in help sessions, and comprehensive, clear written instructions for ALL processes within ctcLInk,

Continued remote work options for employees who do not feel safe returning to campus and flexible schedule options for those who need time arranging childcare or other factors,

Every senior administrator will spend two full days in the first two weeks of the quarter in direct student contact. By shadowing employees in your division, you will gain a greater understanding of the effects ctcLink continues to have on our community.

We look forward to working together towards a safe return to campus.