File Photo (Image Credit: CFJC Today)

By James Peters

COVID-19

TRU to lay off 80 employees as COVID-19 hammers school’s books

Jun 2, 2020 | 3:56 PM

KAMLOOPS — Thompson Rivers University says it will lay off about 80 staff members due to the impact of COVID-19. The university says it will begin informing individuals being laid off Wednesday (June 3).

The information comes in an email to staff Tuesday from Executive Director of Human Resources Larry Phillips. The email was obtained by CFJC Today.

Last month, TRU said a projected drop in international enrollment could contribute to a $6 million budgetary deficit.

Phillips says labour costs are TRU’s largest expense category and discussions have been ongoing with employee groups on how to cut costs.

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He notes meetings will begin tomorrow and take place throughout about a week informing staff of layoffs.

Phillips says all employees affected will be given four months’ notice, even if that isn’t required in their contracts. He says, in the event the institution’s financial situation improves during that four-month period, some layoff notices could be rescinded.

The email notes TRU is considering other options “to mitigate the need for layoffs, which include furloughs, job-sharing and retirement options, and government programs.” It notes layoffs are being brought forward at this time due to the lengthy notification period mandated in the school’s contract with the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE).