Union expresses ‘deep concern’ for faculty and staff after P.E.I. college suspends programs [Video]

The union representing most of the workers affected by Holland College’s programming cuts says it met with members of the school’s administration over the weekend to talk about next steps. 

Late Friday afternoon, Prince Edward Island’s largest community college announced it would be suspending eight programs and downsizing three others because of a “sharp decrease in the college’s international student enrolment.” 

The move affects 35 faculty and staff, 26 of whom are represented by the P.E.I. Union of Public Sector Employees, or UPSE. 

“I had deep concern for my members… but I do know this is a national issue with post-secondary institutions. It’s disturbing, as the president of a union, to hear of any layoffs,” UPSE president Karen Jackson told CBC News. 

“We’re hoping that the employer is also looking with a broader eye into this cost-reduction strategy and not just looking at frontline workers.” 

WATCH | Cuts at Holland …