This was the scene outside the Fine Arts building on the Kentfield Campus on Friday, August 15, 2008. Over 30 picket sign carrying unit members were joined by another 20 faculty,  as well as a number of SEIU members before President Whites convocation to begin the 2008-09 school term. The signs urged the Board of Trustees to stop stalling and commit to meaningful negotiations. They pointed out the College of Marin, in the midst of its largest budget yet, has allocated no increases in pay of benefits even though the county has seen over a 5% reduction in the earning power of the dollar just in the past year. Negotiations have been total unproductive between the district and UPM for over a year now, with the district asking for major take backs in contract language without offering any compensation in return. Is it any surprise so many UPM members found the need to express their displeasure?

As far as the effectiveness of the picketing ... the convocation, scheduled to run two hours, was closed by President White less than an hour after it began. What was missing? For the first time that anyone can remember, there was no presentation on the financial status of the college, nor was there any question and answer period. Is the district practicing good faith negotiations? One wonders. They sure don't seem to want to discuss anything unless it is through their lawyer!