Financial fallout from pandemic threatens jobs at TRU
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KAMLOOPS — The president of Thompson Rivers University (TRU) says the institution is facing the possibility of issuing layoffs as it attempts to deal with the fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic.
In a letter to the university community sent Wednesday afternoon (May 13) and obtained by CFJC Today, Brett Fairbairn says the effect of the global pandemic is a serious concern. But he adds TRU has time to think and plan out a proper path to get through the crisis. However, that path may involve layoffs, unpaid leaves and work reassignments. “Over the past week, TRU has approached CUPE, TRUFA and APA (the association that represents our administrative staff) to discuss options,” states Fairbairn’s letter.
Fairbairn says the university’s administration took steps to trim its budget in late March when it was becoming apparent TRU would be facing decreased revenues from domestic and international enrolment, earnings on endowments and earnings on savings. At that time, it froze several capital projects. It also froze hiring aside from a few positions which were considered to be critical to deal with the institution’s response to the pandemic. The university also established a COVID-19 fund to purchase items that would allow TRU to continue delivering education through alternative arrangements such as remote online learning.
Fairbairn says the university is planning to offer fall classes primarily through remote learning. However, it does expect some in-person learning to continue under provincial health guidelines.
