Unions representing Athabasca University (AU) staff have slammed the AU Sustainability Taskforce report released on June 1 that examined sustainability options for the university.
The Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) Local 3911, Athabasca University Faculty Association (AUFA) and Alberta Union of Provincial Employees (AUPE) have publicly spoken out against the report’s suggestion to move AU out of Athabasca.
In a June 11 press release, the unions claimed the report urged shutting down AU and moving its functions to other institutions, which would result in job losses for one-third of the 1,100 employees who live in Athabasca.
Mike Dempsey, AUPE vice-president, spoke out on behalf of AU support staff.
“For decades, AU has helped people in remote areas, those with families to support and others in challenging situations to improve their lives through education,” he said. “It is also a major economic driver in the north-central region. We must do everything we can to keep its doors open. Closing it should not be an option.”
The sustainability report also indicated AU’s projected insolvency on its debt in 2016-2017 due to inadequate government funding, collective agreements with staff and the location of AU.
The report proposed four possible options to mitigate the debt: restrict AU to in-province students, audit courses and business practices, join a federation, or join an association with other universities.
But the unions stated the report avoided the real causes of the current financial situation.
“President (Peter) MacKinnon points the finger at government, employees and even the community for AU’s financial mess,” said Dr. Dougal McDonald, co-chair of CUPE Local 3911, “but the government needs to examine the financial management and decisions made in recent years.”
The unions have called upon Innovation and Advanced Education Minister Lori Sigurdson to disregard the report and order an independent investigation into AU finances.
Minister Sigurdson responded to the report in a statement on June 10, saying it “clearly outlines some very serious sustainability issues for Athabasca University which cannot continue.
“As Minister of Innovation and Advanced Education,” she stated, “I take this situation seriously. It is the responsibility of the board of governors to address this situation and this report is a good first step. However, the Alberta government is ready to work with the university and help it become more sustainable.”
Sigurdson added that each option the report presented will have an impact on Athabasca University and that they all deserve careful examination.
Numerous blog posts have also popped up to criticize the report and have even raised further questions.
In a post on Rabble.ca, journalist David J. Climenhaga said the report recommendations would likely cause one of the first serious political problems faced by Alberta's New Democratic government.
“It's unlikely this will be the last time, of course, that the government of Premier Rachel Notley faces challenges dealing with the PC-appointed boards of institutions, agencies and commissions,” he said.
