KINGSTON: The union representing full-time faculty
and support staff at St. Lawrence College is demanding full participation in
the process as St. Lawrence College sorts out its financial mess.
The union says the interests of not only its
members, but also the broader communities served by the college, could be at
serious risk because of the college’s past financial management.
The Ministry of Colleges, the Ministry of Finance's
Education Audit Service Team and a college management team, headed by Glenn
Vollebregt and Patricia Kerth will be involved in the next stage of work to
resolve the college’s finances.
“Our union must be able to view all financial data
and fully participate in the process,” said OPSEU President Warren (Smokey)
Thomas. “Since our members livelihoods could be drastically affected, we
need to be able to see all of the relevant data, including the percentage
spent on top administration.”
Thomas says the union needs to see all information
collected by the Ministry on the college’s finances and has asked that the
Ministry look into the cost of senior administration at the college. The
faculty local has written twice to Deputy Minister Phillip Steenkamp, asking
to be part of the audit process, but no reply has been received. Also, a
report by Dr. Ralph Benson, on behalf of the Ministry, has not been revealed
to the union.
OPSEU represents about 600 full-time faculty and
staff at St. Lawrence campuses in Kingston, Brockville and Cornwall.
