University of Saskatchewan Continues Workforce Reductions

"To maintain our current financial sustainability and streamline our university we must adjust our workforce," said Associate Vice-President of Human Resources Barb Daigle. "We continue to make changes that are strategic, respectful of people, sustainable and that will ensure positions are aligned with the university's teaching, research and outreach priorities."
The job losses continue to affect unionized and non-unionized employees in administrative and support positions across campus. Once current layoffs are complete, the university will announce expected savings to the organization. Layoffs in January and February of this year resulted in $2.3 million in annual savings.
The university's 2013-14 funding announced by the province last week is unrelated to the current layoffs. "I am very appreciative of the province's investment in the University of Saskatchewan, and much of the funding is close to my expectations," said President Ilene Busch-Vishniac. "Our attentions will still be focused on streamlining and seeking efficiencies in what we do and strengthening our focus on the areas we have identified as most important."
There is no hiring freeze imposed while the university carries out changes and implements a longer-term workforce strategy, said Daigle, but new hires will be carefully considered and focused in priority areas. "Strategic workforce planning that involves leaders in all colleges and units on campus will ensure the right people with the right knowledge, skills and experience are in the right positions to focus on the university's priorities," she said.
Salaries and benefits account for about 75 per cent of total operating budget expenses. Many administrative processes are being streamlined to create efficiencies and savings, and the university is also evaluating all programs - both administrative and academic - for efficiency, effectiveness and alignment with institutional priorities. Additional details are available at www.usask.ca/finances.
For more information, contact:
Patty Martin, Director, Strategic Communications
(306) 966-6919
patty.martin@usask.ca