File photo of the University of Lethbridge (Photo: Lethbridge News Now)

By Justin Goulet

U of L announces temporary layoffs due to COVID-19

May 15, 2020 | 8:54 AM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – The University of Lethbridge has announced the temporary layoff and reduction of hours for 145 continuing support staff.

This comes in response to the on-going COVID-19 pandemic, according to the institution.

The U of L stated that the latest layoffs are in addition to approximately 183 casual, research and student employees who had their hours reduced and appointments end as the campus moved to restricted access back in March.

79 employees will have their hours reduced from full-time, while 66 workers will be temporarily laid off.

The U of L said that under normal circumstances, these staff members help deliver important programs and services that the school’s students and community members rely on.

What's Happening in Lethbridge this week: December 16-22, 2024

Dec 17, 2024

What's Happening in Lethbridge this week: December 9-15, 2024

Dec 10, 2024

What's Happening in Lethbridge this week: December 2-8, 2024

Dec 02, 2024

“The COVID-19 pandemic has, however, had a profound and broad impact on the University of Lethbridge over the past two months,” the U of L stated in a release.

“In-person classes have moved to remote delivery methods, most students vacated student residences, food services were shut down, activities such as fitness classes, theatre and music performances were cancelled, and most employees began working remotely from home with restricted access to campus.”

Some staff have been redeployed to other areas of campus to ensure that vital functions continues. The U of L noted that support staff from almost all departments are affected by this latest decision.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has drastically reduced our ability to undertake the in-person activities we normally offer to our students and our communities,” said Dr. Mike Mahon, president and vice-chancellor, in the release.

“During this time especially, the University must utilize its resources responsibly. Coupled with the significant budget cuts we are experiencing, as well as signaled future budget cuts, these temporary layoffs are regrettably necessary.”

The school said that affected employees may elect to use vacation balances to delay the date of temporary layoff or to top-up the reduction to their hours of work.

Employees will continue to receive most of their health benefit coverage during the temporary layoff, as well as Employee Family Assistance program supports.

The U of L said the hope is that all employees will be recalled to full-time work for the Fall 2020 semester. However, this will depend on advice and guidance from Alberta Health Services, as well as efforts to provide a safe environment for both students and employees.

“It is our people who create such a vibrant U of L environment and seeing our campus empty and quiet is a sobering reminder of the reality we are facing. I am incredibly proud of our faculty and staff in times of calm and, more recently, in this time of strife,” Dr. Mahon stated.

“This decision is made only because of extraordinary circumstances and in no way reflects the efforts and dedication of our staff. This is an unfortunate situation. We hope to return to regular functions and programming in the near future.”