Custodial staff let go at Wilfrid Laurier University

Nine custodial staff at Wilfrid Laurier University were laid off on Monday.

CUPE Local 926, the union representing workers, says the cuts represent 10% of the custodial work force.

In a statement released today, CUPE Local 926 says there will be a lack of presence at the school now that jobs have been cut.

“The cuts represent about 10 per cent of the custodial staff,” said Jill Smyth, CUPE National Representative for Local 926. “Each custodian is responsible for cleaning 30,000 square feet per shift, so with the layoffs, the remaining staff will have even more campus space to cover and clean every day.”

It was also announced WLU Press will be integrated into the administrative structure of the Wilfrid Laurier University Library.

The change was approved by the university late last week, with the transition to the new organizational structure to begin immediately as details of the implementation are worked out.

Officials say that change follows a number of similar mergers at major Canadian and American universities.

Laurier’s Director of Communications & Public Affairs, Kevin Crowley says the 10% number is not accurate.

In an e-mail to 570 News Thursday, Crowley wrote “Three custodial staff received layoff notices Monday. This is less than 4% of Laurier’s total custodial staff. Another five custodial positions will not be filled in the coming months as individuals retire and are not replaced.”