United Steelworkers (USW) 2010 and Queen’s University are set to discuss potential staff layoffs in the weeks.
In a statement to The Journal, Kelly Orser, USW President, expressed concern over staffing levels and increased workload for Steelworkers following the launch of the Voluntary Exit Initiative (VEI) on March 26 and looming layoffs. USW represents and protects the workplace rights of staff at Queen’s.
VEI allows staff in the Faculty of Arts and Science (FAS) to exit their roles in exchange for a lump sum payment. Most positions vacated through VEI will not be refilled.
READ MORE: Buyout begin as ArtSci gives staff incentive to leave
“There have been meetings this week between the parties [involved participants], USW and Queen’s, regarding the VEI program and how it may impact staffing levels in the near future,” Orser said. “Local 2010 is scheduled to meet with the employer several times over the next few weeks to discuss these impacts in detail, and any potential layoffs that may be forthcoming.”
READ MORE: Queen’s staff feel disheartened by working conditions
Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Science, Barbara Crow, confirmed applications to VEI closed on April 30 and have been approved “based on operational needs” in a statement to The Journal. VEI recipients will vacate their jobs on May 31.
The Journal inquired with the University about the number of approved applications but did not receive a response. Additionally, The Journal asked the University if VEI will extend to other faculties in the future, to which no response was received.
With the University projecting a $35.7 million operating budget deficit for the 2024-25 year, staff and faculty layoffs are highly probable, Provost Matthew Evans said during a town hall meeting on January 11.
This is a developing story.
Tags
All final editorial decisions are made by the Editor(s) in Chief and/or the Managing Editor. Authors should not be ed, targeted, or harassed under any circumstances. If you have any grievances with this article, please direct your comments to [email protected].
Karma
Guess the party is over for the lazy union and overpaid bullies at Queens?