Notices of layoff issued

The University of Windsor issued nine notices of layoff on Tuesday, February 18.

Five of the staff affected are in Information Technology Services, two are in Public Affairs and Communications, and two are in Alumni Affairs and Donor Communications. All positions involve members of CUPE Local 1393, and affected employees will be able to exercise their seniority rights, which include the right to bump, in accordance with the collective agreement.

The layoffs are a direct consequence of the need for the university to address a projected $5.8 million shortfall in the 2014/15 operating budget, UWindsor president Alan Wildeman said.

“The operating budget pressures have been widely communicated for years in updates and public addresses. We are looking at all options, and layoffs are clearly the most difficult decision,” said Dr. Wildeman. “We will look to minimize the need for future layoffs by striving for realistic compensation costs for all employee groups, pursuing opportunities for revenue growth, and focusing investments in the core activities that support the academic and service needs of our students and the research and creative activity across our campus.”