By Troy Gillard

Two-thirds of administrative staff now gone

More layoffs at Red Deer College

Jun 15, 2020 | 5:05 PM

Another 39 Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) positions at Red Deer College have been eliminated and reduced in a move the union is calling “devastating to programs and services going forward.”

CUPE Local 1445 President Trina Carroll says there were once 157 people in her union delivering support services to students. She says 43 were let go due to COVID-19 and that the college has given no indication when they will return, if at all.

“Students, faculty and even the public are going to see a dramatic reduction in the quality of program supports at the College,” said Carroll. “I am very concerned as to how we will be able to deliver a proper education support, or even provide services.”

RDC faced provincial funding cuts of $5.3 million while preparing its 2020-21 budget. Further revenue losses are expected due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Domestic and international student enrollment projections have also been modified and having an impact to RDC’s 2020-2021 budget,” the college said in a release Monday afternoon.

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“The past weeks have been very difficult as we have had to temporarily lay-off colleagues because of COVID-19. We now have to say goodbye to additional team members as a result of necessary budget decisions for our upcoming academic year,” says Dr. Peter Nunoda, RDC President.

The Alberta Union of Provincial Employees (AUPE) said it was informed earlier this month that 14 full-time positions at RDC would see their hours reduced and that three workers would see their jobs permanently abolished. Two more layoffs were blamed on the pandemic.

RDC has also announced changes to two more of its programs for the upcoming year.

The Occupational and Physical Therapist Assistant program is being suspended for first-year students. Students beginning their second year will delay starting until January 2021, with August 2021 completion expected. The college says these decisions are in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, to ensure the safety and success of students.

The Unit Clerk program in RDC’s Donald School of Business is being suspended permanently with a four-month career certificate to start in September.

“These decisions were not made lightly, because we recognize how they affect our current and future students, as well as our faculty and staff,” says Nunoda.

Students directly affected by these program decisions have been informed. Accepted first-year students in both programs will receive a refund of their tuition deposit.

“Provincial cutbacks are devastating post-secondary education in Alberta,” said Carroll. “We were promised no cuts to front line services, but that promise has not been kept.”

RELATED: RDC funding cut 7.4% by provincial budget

RELATED: Red Deer College suspends applications for five programs

(With file from CUPE, RDC media releases)