UNBC balances budget at a cost

“Budget constraints and layoffs are not new to the University of Northern British Columbia community; discussions and Town Hall meetings are held every year as the leadership work to achieve a balanced budget for the upcoming year, a requirement of the provincial government for all universities in BC,” states CUPE 3799 President, Caroline Sewell. “While balancing a budget in these challenging times is a huge feat, CUPE 3799 does question the rationale of laying off front line staff that support the student experience while we see an increasingly heavy management component left largely untouched and continuing to grow each year.”

CUPE 3799 consists of approximately 400 members who work to support the students, staff and faculty of the University of Northern British Columbia.

The university was looking at a deficit of $3.4 million. Through the re-allocation of some funds, they were able to trim that deficit to $1..4 million. The 21 positions were an option of last resort for Administration.

“We were spending above our means and so there was no other way to make the balanced budget for the Board [of Governors] to approve, with out making these permanent reductions.”

However, as was noted, this budget decision was made before the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We still have not fully realized the impacts that COVID is going to have on the institution,” says Dr. Payne.

by Cheryl Jahn

UNBC balances budget at a cost

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