TORONTO — Sixty-four staff at George Brown College (GBC) have opted to take voluntary buyouts offered by the college in February — and layoffs are to come.
Voluntary retirement incentives were offered to longtime workers as well as some full-time employees and part-time support staff, as part of a three-phase plan to reduce the college’s expenses.
Fifteen administrators, 26 faculty and 23 support staff chose to take the voluntary leave or retirement, which will save the college over $8.9 million in salaries and benefits, according to a Tuesday email from college president Dr. Gervan Fearon.
In the email, Fearon thanked the departing staff.
“Your contributions have left a lasting mark on our College community and your service to post-secondary education has helped to define the excellence of GBC,” he said. “We hope this transition opens doors to fulfilling new opportunities ahead.”
In Tuesday’s email, the President said layoffs are to come.
Additional strategies to save millions more
In the second phase of the college’s plan to reduce costs, 52 additional administrative roles will be cut.
Some of these will be through layoffs, while others will come from closing vacant positions, according to the college president. The changes will save an additional $6.8 million.
A third phase of workforce reductions will see additional layoffs and "role evaluations," according to the college president.
“These are challenging steps, but they are necessary to stabilize our institution’s future,” he said.
The changes come amidst a financial crisis many institutions of higher education are facing, owing to a change in international student policies, stagnating provincial funding, and the lasting impacts of COVID-19.
In addition to staffing cuts, George Brown, like York University, announced it will be reducing program offerings in the coming year.
In February, Torsten Hamelin, a spokesperson for OPSEU Local 557 which supports George Brown College’s part-time and support staff, told TorontoToday the changes will result in worse experiences for students.
He said there’s a misconception among much of the general public that workers at provincial colleges all have “cushy” jobs. The reality, he said, couldn’t be further from the truth.
Hamelin said a significant share of the college’s staff are part-time or precarious workers, many of whom make about $30,000 per year.
He added that a reduction in headcount will increase burnout among the workers who remain — including staff in enrolment, counselling, library services, and elsewhere.
George Brown vice president takes buyout
On Tuesday, Fearon also announced at least one vice president chose to leave the college through the voluntary exit program.
Kizzy Rodney, associate vice-president of external and community relations, will be departing through the program.
Tuesday’s email also said Michelle McCollum, vice-president of facilities and sustainability, will be departing, but did not detail why the executive is retiring early.
“I know these are not easy times, but they have revealed the resilience, compassion, and commitment of our community,” said the college president in Tuesday’s email.
“I am proud to serve alongside you as we navigate this journey together with care, courage, and hope for what comes next.”
