University of Saskatchewan union concerned after 15 managers laid off

The Administrative and Supervisory Personnel Association is concerned that recent layoffs at the University of Saskatchewan are only the tip of the iceberg.

On Tuesday, six managers working in facilities management and belonging to the association — which represents 1,100 workers in a variety of jobs at the university — were given pink slips, along with nine others outside of the union.

The layoffs come days before the start of voluntary buyouts being offered to university staff. Packages are being offered to university staff for the month of June.

"I personally don't believe the university will meet its targets through the voluntary exits," said ASPA president Peter Krebs. "I'm certainly concerned about more layoffs."

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The university is currently working towards cutting more than $12 million following this year's provincial budget, which cut university base funding by five per cent.

In addition to the 15 layoffs, a number of staff members have been moved to new positions, resulting in one fewer associate vice-president, five fewer directors and 22 fewer managers in the finances and resources portfolio.

I'm certainly concerned about more layoffs.- ASPA president Peter Krebs

Krebs was told by the university yesterday that the layoffs were part of a long-planned reorganization, and had nothing to do with the impending buyouts.

"I think the university wanted to get the news about the voluntary layoff package disseminated first, in order to give us some good news," he said. "It is what it is."