The Alberta Union of Provincial Employees Local 069, which represents Athabasca University’s support staff, is very concerned about recent comments bringing into question the viability of the university in the town of Athabasca. AUPE, Alberta’s largest union, represents rural people across the province and realize how vital public services are to rural economies.
To cut jobs from this community in this time of economic uncertainty seems irresponsible. We need the business that Athabasca University brings to this town to keep stores open and allow our community to prosper. Statistics indicate that 75 jobs lost in this community amounts to approximately $5 million in business lost a year. We simply cannot afford to have $5 million more a year leaving this community.
There have been gloomy predictions of Athabasca University’s insolvency and the argument that AU can’t find qualified people to work in Athabasca. What does this say about Athabasca University’s commitment to the community? If they can’t find and retain competent staff to work at AU, what does it say about the staff they already have? I think anyone working at AU in Athabasca should find that comment alarming, as well as the community as a whole.
Alarmist predictions of insolvency seem farfetched. Only seven months ago, AU’s executive predicted a $12 million deficit, and then the university posted a surplus. The year before that, AU administration predicted a deficit and posted a surplus. I urge the provincial government to conduct a thorough investigation and audit of AU's finances to determine the university's true viability.
Another problem that exacerbates this air of uncertainty is the lack of a permanent university president. AU has had an interim president for more than a year, which, whether it’s intentional or not, sends a very ominous signal to students, staff and the community at large.
The community needs our political leaders and elected officials to stand up for the local economy and quality post-secondary education. I urge them to speak publicly on behalf of AU, its employees and students, and to contact our local MLA Colin Piquette; Innovation and Advanced Education Minister Lori Sigurdson; and Premier Notley to press them to ensure AU's future in this community.
It is clear Athabasca University needs more funding and permanent leadership, both of which can be easily accomplished, given the political will. It is up to people of Athabasca to ensure our leaders have that will.
Wendy Jewell
Chair, AUPE Local 069
