Sask. Polytech lays off employees and suspends several programs due to COVID-19 pandemic

A letter sent to CBC News said Saskatchewan Polytechnic will cut costs as it deals with the COVID-19 pandemic, including layoffs and the suspension of several programs.

A total of 37 people will be laid off from post-secondary education facilities across Saskatchewan. Addiction counselling, cytotechnology and dental assisting programs will also be suspended.

“Each program has its own unique reasons why we made this decision to suspend,” said the letter from Sandra Blevins, dean of the School of Nursing and Health Sciences.

“We are now focused on communicating with students to ensure they understand their study options at Sask. Polytechnic.”

The letter said the laid-off employees would work with the Sask. Polytechnic Faculty Association, the Saskatchewan General and Government Employees Union and the institution’s human resources department to “explore options.”

Blevins’ letter said planned spending on non-salary costs related to travel, printing, laboratory supplies for the suspended programs, and professional development and support for continuing education had been reduced.

The letter said Sask. Polytechnic will continue to review its staffing levels. The institution’s leaders are currently focused on finalizing requirements and safety plans for the labs, the letter said.

Changes caused by the pandemic

In a statement, Sask. Polytech said the COVID-19 pandemic represents the greatest disruption the post-secondary education sector has ever experienced.

“The suspension of most on-campus activities has resulted in significant work restrictions or disruptions in some areas, including work that cannot be done remotely,” the statement said.

“Sask. Polytech prepares for enrollment decline and anticipated revenue shortfall.”

The statement confirmed that some programs would be suspended or postponed for the upcoming fall semester and said some full- and part-time employees would receive temporary or permanent layoffs in the coming weeks.

Sask. Polytech said in its statement that it would not disclose the positions, departments or programs affected and would not provide any further comment on the matter.