Brief
Stockton University unions push back on layoffs amid $25 million deficit
Faculty and staff unions at Stockton University are urging the administration to halt planned layoffs tied to a $25 million deficit.
By Felo News Desk · Published
Unionized faculty and staff at Stockton University are asking administrators to reconsider layoffs intended to close a $25 million deficit blamed on declining enrollment, reduced state aid and rising costs, WHYY News reported.
The Stockton Federation of Teachers (SFT), an affiliate of the American Federation of Teachers, said the university informed them on Tuesday that layoff notices had been issued to 14 faculty members and seven professional staff members. The Communication Workers of America Local 1031 also received notice that some of its members could be affected, though the exact number is unknown.
SFT President Tara Luke, a biology professor, said this is the first layoff threat in her 22 years at the school and warned that understaffing would worsen academic quality. The SFT and the Council of New Jersey State College Locals plan to rally after President Joe Bertolino’s State of the University address on Thursday.
Key facts
- Stockton University faces a $25 million deficit. (legalinsurrection.com)
- Layoff notices were given to 14 faculty and seven professional staff members. (legalinsurrection.com)
- The Communication Workers of America Local 1031 also received layoff warnings, number of workers unspecified. (legalinsurrection.com)
- SFT President Tara Luke has worked at Stockton for 22 years and says this is the first layoff threat. (legalinsurrection.com)
Sources
- [1] legalinsurrection.com — originally reported as “Stockton University Unions Trying to Avoid Layoffs Despite School's $25 Million Deficit”
