Universities announce layoffs due to pandemic

Several schools have announced temporary employee layoffs due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The University of Saskatchewan has announced that up to 500 staff could be laid off for up to 12 weeks. “During [that] time we will provide a ‘top-up’ to the current federal support program, Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB), to 85 per cent of pre-layoff regular earnings,” stated USask chief communications officer Gord Hunchak. Meanwhile Mount Royal University has signed a MOU with the Mount Royal Staff Association that will see employees whose positions cannot be performed at home or who have seen a significant reduction in work volume put on mandatory furlough. MRU explained that the agreement allows people to remain employees and have full benefits coverage while still being eligible to receive government support programs related to the pandemic. Global News | CBC (National)