Bulletin
Capilano University – Fall 2020 Staffing Level Update
July 2, 2020
To: All MoveUP Members at Capilano University
We have received notice from the Executive of the University and HR that the employer intends on proceeding with a staff reduction plan affecting approximately 35 MoveUP members at Capilano University.
We understand that this news will be unsettling for our members, particularly as we continue to deal with challenging times both in our personal and professional lives due to the COVID-19 pandemic. We want you to know this issue is a top priority for us and we will be doing everything within our means to address this issue and support our affected members.
Your employer had notified us that they intended on issuing layoff notices on June 30th following a joint budget review meeting with the CSU, CFA and MoveUP. However, in response, we advised them that the staff reduction plan proposed affected a significant portion of our bargaining unit and, thus, fell under B.C Labour Relations Code legislation, specifically Section 54.
Section 54 of the B.C Labour Relations Code 54 provides a mechanism of discussion and resolution if an employer introduces or intends to introduce a measure, policy, practice or change that affects the terms, conditions or security of employment of a significant number of employees to whom a collective agreement applies. Notably, the employer must give at least 60 days notice to our union before the date on which the staff reduction plan is to be implemented.
After bringing this to their attention, we are pleased that both parties in agreement that the proposed staff reduction plan falls under Section 54 of the B.C Labour Relations Code. The next step will be for us to meet with the employer, in good faith, and work to develop an adjustment plan, which includes considering alternatives to their staff reduction plan. Our hope is to minimize the impact and reduce the number of affected employees.
To protect the privacy of the affected members, we will be contacting them directly through their Capilano University e-mail addresses to discuss the timelines and seek information relevant to the adjustment plan discussions. If you have not received an e-mail from Nathan Beausoleil by end of day today, you are not an affected employee and no further action is required on your part at this time.
You have the commitment of your executive councillors, union officers and union representatives that we will take every action possible to support all our affected members and lessen any impact from this proposed reduction plan. As we stated above, addressing the proposed staff reduction plan is our top priority and we will hold the employer accountable for each and every position on the list to ensure that we explore all possible alternatives with staff reduction being only a last resort.
More information to follow in subsequent bulletins.
In Solidarity,
Nathan Beausoleil, Union Representative
Christy Slusarenko, VP, MoveUP – Combined Units