University of Toledo pay, staff cuts spark dispute with union

TOLEDO — University of Toledo administrators this week quietly announced pay cuts, furloughs and temporary layoffs for much of their staff, sparking disputes with at least one of the unions that represent university employees. The cuts, UT officials said, are necessary because of a projected budget deficit of at least $20 million for the current fiscal year, in large part because of the coronavirus pandemic. Administrators moved forward with the reductions — which they say will save $2.5 million. Unionized faculty so far have been spared the cuts, although talks with the American Association of University Professors are ongoing, according to UT, and — the Communications Workers of America, which represents skilled trades, custodial and maintenance staff at the university, has objected to the cost-saving measures. "These are difficult, but necessary measures to ensure the financial stability of our institution. Recognizing that our people are our greatest asset, UToledo has committed to ensuring that employees maintain their health insurance during these temporary workload adjustments," executive vice president for finance and administration Matt Schroeder said in a written statement. Salaried non-union staff who make between $75,000 and $99,999 will be furloughed one day for each of the next three pay periods. Those making between $50,000 and $74,999 will be furloughed two days, and those making less one day. Senior leaders and academic deans have already taken a 20 percent pay cut through the end of June, which is the fiscal year. According to the university, administrators with faculty appointments, senior professional staff, and 12-month faculty will take salary reductions between 10 and 2.5 percent, depending on pay rates. Non-faculty union members, meanwhile, could be laid off up to 29 days under the university plan. The cuts weren't set by Board of Trustee action, but instead were instituted by UT administration. While City of Toledo and Lucas County staff cuts were announced publicly and by official action, the university's cuts were sent internally to staff and posted without announcement to UT's website. University spokesman Meghan Cunningham said that the university was following existing collective bargaining agreements in instituting the layoff plan. But Erika White, president of CWA 4319, said the university failed to properly negotiate with the union, and CWA has filed action against the university, alleging UT violated the agreement and the law. The university, she said, is required to bargain over the effects of its proposed cuts but did not do so, and it has not identified which classifications will be impacted. White said she had to learn about the cuts from members, instead of through the university. "We want to make sure that things are handled according to our contract, and I can 100 percent verify with you that it was not," she said. "Our contract states that the university needs to meet with the president of the local union. I understand COVID-19 is going on, but we have ways to meet." ——— ©2020 The Blade (Toledo, Ohio) Visit The Blade (Toledo, Ohio) at www.toledoblade.com Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.