I recently received a job offer from a community college in CA and was told the pay was negotiable. The job does not have a minimum educatio...

Question

I recently received a job offer from a community college in CA and was told the pay was negotiable. The job does not have a minimum education requirement, but I asked if they would consider my doctorate degree and substantial experience and start me at a higher entry level salary (Step 2 instead of Step 1). Is this not reasonable and to be expected?

I was told that the request would first be submitted to the department and then, if approved, to the union (the job is a union position). I later received a response that the union denied my salary request. If the department/college approved my request (which seems to be the case), why would the union, since it exists for the benefit of employees, deny the request? Is it legal for them to prevent me from receiving a higher salary?

Answer

The request does not strike me as unreasonable, but that does not mean it will be or has to be accepted.

I cannot explain the union's conduct. You would have to examine the collective bargaining agreement between the union and the community college to see what rights the union has. You may also wish to talk to your union representative about why it took any particular action as to your salary.

Answer

You should read the contract or talk to the union rep as to why they did what they did.