Two weeks ago, their jobs were safe. Now, an air of uncertainty lingers among the 120 Ohio University custodians.
At the final informational meeting between administrators and custodial services, custodians were told that 17 positions would be eliminated in September. 15 other positions will be eliminated, of which eight are vacant and seven are staffed.
These layoffs are occurring after budget cuts and reallocations. Facilities Management lost approximately $537,000 of their budget to support the general fund and also additional $770,000 that William Decatur, vice president for Finance and Administration, will allocate to other areas.
According to a press release, Decatur will be addressing significant needs with the money. These include increasing police department staff on all shifts, increasing risk-management capabilities, improving financial analysis and reviewing administrative and classified compensation structure.
The administration completely pulled the rug out from underneath us
said Dave Logan, president of the AFSCME Local 1699 union.
He began negotiating contracts in March to ensure that no union employees would be laid-off. Logan said that he was informed of the budget cuts and inevitable job losses Tuesday morning.
On top of the looming lay-offs, four additional positions have already been eliminated from the department.
We are losing 21 people out of custodial services 12 from the midnight shift. This is a deep cut Jim Kemper, associate vice president for Finance and Administration said.
Logan noted at both the meeting and in the press release that the cleanliness of the campus is one thing that will aid in student retention.
Well-maintained buildings are crucial. We can't retain our students if we lower our standards
Logan said.
Six meetings were held Wednesday to inform staff of the budget situation and job eliminations. Employees were told that as of Aug. 6 letters would be delivered to the 17 junior-most custodians.
Upon the delivery, the employees can decide whether to displace into one of five vacant positions or to take the layoff. They also can opt to apply for the approaching food-service worker-training program. By completing this program, the individuals would be eligible for 10 Dining Services vacancies.
According to the same press release, seven zone maintenance specialists are also being laid off.
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Amanda Fondriest
Employees may train for Dining Services after budget cuts shrink department
