EL CAMINO COLLEGE : Contract Talks Stalled as Fall Classes Begin

El Camino College instructors began fall classes this week three months after contract talks broke off with college administrators.

Faculty members have not received a pay raise in three years. Many instructors, barred in their contracts from striking, plan toprotest by refusing to permit additional students from enrolling in their classes once the roster is full, said Lance Widman, a political science professor and president of the faculty union. In the past, teachers have permitted students to be added to full classes.

In May, faculty members rejected 1% salary increases in July and January and called for an additional 2% raise during the 1995-96 school year. But administrators said such increases are impossible due to dwindling state funds.

Contract talks began 21 months ago for college instructors, who earn $29,000 to $60,000 a year.

A state mediator met with faculty representatives three times in the past several months and once with instructors and administrators, but little was accomplished, faculty and administration representatives said.