VSB considers layoffs to pay for new support staff deal

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VANCOUVER (NEWS1130) – Last month’s deal for CUPE school support staff could mean layoffs at the Vancouver School District.

The school board is considering ways to pay for the new contract. The early plan calls for cuts to “non-core staff”, which could mean as many as 40 full-time equivalents.

It’s part of an effort to make up $4.25 million in the 2014/15 school year, to cover CUPE pay hikes.

Board Vice Chair Mike Lombardi blames the province. “We’ve got a download from the provincial government. The provincial government negotiated a salary increase and refused to pay for it, and has now downloaded the cost to school boards.”

Adding to the problem is a further $24.1-million shortfall expected next year, which Lombardi says will mean some serious conversations in the months to come.

“My suspicion is unless the government provides funding and deals with the shortfall, we’re going to have some significant layoffs of people across all those areas.”

The support staff negotiated a 3.5 per cent wage increase over three years. The school district thinks it can cover off the cost this year by dipping into a surplus.

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