There are only about 50 employees affected by cutbacks at TRU, according to CUPE Local 4879 (Image Credit: CFJC Today)

By Chad Klassen

TRU LAYOFFS

Fewer layoffs at TRU than first expected: CUPE President

Oct 2, 2020 | 11:09 AM

KAMLOOPS — The union representing employees at Thompson Rivers University says there are fewer people affected by layoffs than first expected.

President of CUPE Local 4879 Lois Rugg told CFJC Today that only about 20 employees are being permanently laid off by the university. The school says the number is 14. It’s a significant drop from the 80 layoff notices TRU announced in June. Rugg says more members are affected as well, but not nearly as severely.

“There are still some of our members that have had to take temporary leaves with the hopes that when those leaves are over, their positions will be back waiting for them,” said Rugg.

In a statement to CFJC Today, VP of Administration and Finance Matt Milovick says TRU has 16 employees on temporary leave, and in other cases, employees have taken reduced work hours.

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The union had felt it was bearing most of the layoffs with administration not being laid off. Milovick noted the university “can confirm that several administration positions have also been affected. While we are pleased that these numbers are less than initially anticipated, we acknowledge the impact on each of these individuals as we make difficult decisions presented by the pandemic.”

The layoffs took effect officially on Thursday (Oct. 1). Rugg also noted the university is offering early retirement packages to some employees, which could help limit the layoffs as well.

“We’re hoping it will be a good opportunity for those people that can retire and may open up some opportunities for those people who are still in that layoff position. We’re happy about that,” she said.

Rugg says all together, there are an estimated 50 employees impacted by university cutbacks due to the pandemic.

Milovick is “confident that the university will move forward with strength, and continue to serve students and communities into a brighter, post-pandemic world.”