By Vanessa Ybarra

TRU Library layoffs receives failing grade from union members

Mar 16, 2017 | 5:31 PM

KAMLOOPS — Several Thompson Rivers University library employees are speaking out after losing their jobs earlier this year.

Back in January, six full-time and three part-time staff were laid off at the library.

TRU Vice President of Advancement Christopher Seguin says with front-end clerks facing greater technology demands when it comes to library programs and assisting in student research, the decision to let go of many of the long-term employees was tough but necessary.

“You try to do your best to avoid a layoff situation but in this situation, the process had to be done to make sure we put the proper expertise on the front line to service our students and faculty,” said Seguin. “As we look forward, we have to design job descriptions and have job competitions, that’s the process we have to follow.”

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As part of the changes, ‘Library Service Association’ positions will now replace some of the front-end clerk positions, with the applications required to hold a two-year library technician diploma.

While change is inevitable, the union representing TRU support says its disappointed in how the layoffs were handled. 

“We did feel disappointed we weren’t involved in the original discussions,” said CUPE Local 4879 President Lois Rugg.

 “As a union, we may have been able to provide alternatives to having those layoffs or come up with ways to improve the student support and services.” 

There’s no word on when the new TRU positions are expected to be filled.