Bulletin
Capilano University – Fall 2020 Staffing Level Update 2
July 24, 2020
To All MoveUP Members at Capilano University
We received notice from the Executive of the University and HR on July 2nd, 2020 that the employer intends on proceeding with a staff reduction plan affecting approximately 35 MoveUP members at Capilano University. 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. The Parties began adjustment plan discussions shortly after.
With direct input from the positions affected, we have submitted a comprehensive report outlining the current workload of all the affected positions. We will be meeting with the Employer next week to continue discussions on any adjustment and alternatives to the proposed staff reduction list.
In addition, we have met with representatives from the Ministry of Advanced Education on July 21st to bring forward our concerns and feedback on the proposed staffing reductions. The Ministry representatives were in agreement that support staff are the lifeblood of post-secondary institutions, and that post-secondary institutions should not be cannibalizing themselves to reduce deficits. The Parties agreed to remain in contact while the Ministry continues to observe and review whether or not increases to operating grants are required in Q2 and beyond.
Finally, the Executive of Capilano University held a Town Hall on July 23rd, 2020 where President Paul Dangerfield confirmed that the University has been approved to run a deficit for the 2020 Calendar year, that the anticipated deficit has dropped from $24 million to $8 million since first announced at the beginning of July, and that all of the positions listed on the staff reduction proposal are due to lack of work. We’re confident that the report provided and subsequent discussions with the Employer will prove otherwise.
More information to follow in subsequent bulletins.
In Solidarity,
Nathan Beausoleil, Union Representative
Christy Slusarenko, VP, MoveUP – Combined Units
