Apprentice seat numbers are reduced; the reality is not bad as previously forecast
Faculty Colleagues:
I wanted to give you a quick up-date from my meeting with Dr Ross on March 5.
Although SAIT had originally forecast an overall reduction of 650 apprentice seats in the coming year, the actual numbers are now out. Fortunately, the actual reduction of apprentice seats is between 130 and 160. Although still a reduction, this is much better than had originally been forecast.
I also got clarification about the information posted on the SAITnow website indicating that “voluntary departures will be solicited from…SAFA where possible to support the reduction.” And that “Permanent SAFA employees who would like to take this opportunity to make a career transition will be able to consult with Employee Services about their options.”
This information is somewhat misleading. SAIT is not offering an early departure program similar to the one of a couple of years ago. Instead, this information is simply referring to the provisions contained in Section 13 of the SAIT / SAFA collective agreement. Section 13 provides for an opportunity for volunteering for a position abolishment if that program is experiencing abolishments. If your program is not undergoing abolishments, then there would be no opportunity to volunteer.
Thank you to everyone who attended the information meeting at the 4 Nines facility, March 5. We have booked another meeting but were unable to find a different day or time frame due to the availability of rooms. The next meeting is on Thursday, March 12 @ 4:15 pm in the 4 Nines cafeteria, John Ware building.
As always, please feel free to contact me if you have any questions.
In Solidarity,