Bakersfield College classified employees held a rally on Jan. 21 protesting against Kern Community College District for fair wages.

The changes in the salary were brought on by a state-funded cost of living adjustment, according to Tina Johnson, president of chapter 336 of the California School Employees Association.

According to Johnson, KCCD human resources department’s original offer was insulting, calling the keyword “insulting.” The CSEA has been at the negotiation table four times already, in which they have failed to come to an agreement.

She explained that the offer that they made was lower than they have ever offered anyone before.

Johnson said that KCCD has been resistant to recognize the work of the classified employees.

“When students come on campus, the first people you make contact with is a classified employee, not faculty, not administration,” she said. “You have financial aid, it’s because of a classified employee. You’re in a class, it’s because of a classified employee.”

Negotiations are set to continue Feb. 12. Johnson explained that if the negotiations do not go accordingly, CSEA does have plans for further rallies and protests, which she said will be increasingly more intense. She said that CSEA has picketed board members’ houses in the past for other causes.

Although the protest was on campus, Johnson did emphasize that it does not alter the dedication the employees have to the school or their jobs.

“This rally is to show solidarity at the bargaining table and unity,” she said. “This no way mitigates the commitment and dedication that we have to our students, faculty – our colleagues — and administrators, or the president of our college. It’s not going to affect our commitment to the work that we do.

“We just want to be heard, and we just want a fair raise for the work that we do.” Johnson said the employees appreciate any support for their cause whether it be a signature for their petition or picking up a sign to join them in protest.