The strike at Philadelphia Community College is now entering its second week. According to an article in the Philadelphia Inquirer, the union leadership has significantly scaled back their demands. Professors and support staff are now seeking an average raise of only 3.92 percent. This will cost CCP about $340,000 less than the union’s initial proposals.

Blowing off class is a time honored tradition among college students. Now, pupils at CPP can combine laziness with social action. It’s not often that you can fight the man by sitting in your room listening to Phish. Supporting the strike is not only the right thing to do; it’s actually in the long-term interests of the students and the general public.

To find out why, click “Read More.”

There are fairly clear moral reasons to support the faculty and staff. Workers, no matter what their occupation, deserve adequate compensation and benefits. According to union officials, the administration is demanding cuts in both wages and healthcare. Professors and support staff are simply trying to maintain their standard of living. We students know better than anyone that professors work hard. Academics are just like everyone else—they deserve to be treated with respect and dignity by their employers.

Students should recognize that reduced wages and benefits for professors will negatively impact their college education. We’ve all had teachers who have changed our lives through inspiring classes. The number of dynamic and talented professors will certainly drop if the administration fails to meet the demands of the union. Why would anyone choose to work at an institution that clearly doesn’t value their employees?

As the cost of higher education continues to spiral out of control, it is incredible important that community colleges provide affordable alternatives. However, failing to adequately compensate employees is not the way to cut costs. Administrators need to find alternative solutions that will not damage the quality of education at CCP.

It’s important to remember that workers walking on the picket line also include support staff employed in such diverse areas as grounds maintenance, food preparation, and office administration. These are the people who are in the trenches everyday making the college run. Students should remember how hard these employees work and support their demands for a fair contract. Sure, the jobs aren’t glamorous but they are absolutely essential. Like academics, support staff deserves to be treated with respect by the administration.

Now that the union has made some concessions, it’s time for management to do the same. Students, teachers, and support staff are all eager to resume their normal work schedule. The administrators at CCP should do the right thing and end this strike as soon as possible.