Albertans pay the price as government attacks advanced education
CALGARY – The job cuts keep coming at post-secondary institutions in Alberta, with three more workers at the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT) being laid off yesterday (Tuesday Aug. 18).
SAIT blamed the new layoffs on government budget cuts and the COVID-19 pandemic. Two of those laid off were AUPE members.
“These budget cuts and job cuts are bleeding our post-secondary institutions dry,” says Bobby-Joe Borodey, vice-president of AUPE, which represents more than 95,000 workers, including 10,000 in education.
Borodey adds: “Just when Albertans should be turning to further education to help find jobs and a future in a post-pandemic world, this government is choosing to slam the door in the face by attacking colleges and universities.”
The AUPE positions cut yesterday were a library technician and a public affairs supervisor. These jobs are part of an expected 230 to be lost at SAIT because of UCP budget cuts.
“This government is handing over billions of dollars to corporations in tax giveaways, it is investing billions in risky pipelines, but seems to have nothing for Albertans. Workers and students lose, while the college’s CEO Dr. David Ross made over $495,000 in 2019,” says Borodey.
“As always, it’s the working class, everyday Albertans, who are targeted. It’s time for us to fight back.”
-30-
Bobby-Joe Borodey is available for interviews.
For more information, contact Terry Inigo-Jones, communications officer, 403-831-4394.