YSU cuts 22 jobs and pay, in $2M budget reduction move
YOUNGSTOWN - Youngstown State University announced on Wednesday that is eliminating 22 coaching and administrative positions in Intercollegiate Athletics, to help cut the university’s budget by nearly $2 million amid the continuing coronavirus crisis.
In addition, the university says two of its employee unions have agreed to a plan calling for furloughs resulting in a 10 percent pay cut and a “lack-of-work layoff” of 69 workers, a savings of at least $2.8 million.
The cuts are in response to financial problems resulting from the coronavirus pandemic, according to a media release from the university.
The agreement with the 251-member Association for Classified Employees and the 163-member Association of Professional/Administrative Staff calls for all employees in the two unions to take 26 furlough days of unpaid leave during the 2020-21 fiscal year that starts July 1. That equals a 10 percent pay cut.
In addition, 45 ACE employees and 24 APAS employees to be laid off for lack of work in areas of the university that have temporarily closed due to the pandemic, including areas such as Housing and Dining Services, and Parking. The lack-of-work layoffs run through July 31.
The agreement, approved by both unions last week, allows for a voluntary reduction in force under which employees can ask to be laid off June 1 to July 31, according to YSU.
“Our employees stepped up earlier this Spring when we had to quickly switch all of our classes to remote instruction,” said University President Jim Tressel who acknowledges that more budget reductions are imminent.
Among YSU’s financial challenges is a $1.6 million cut in state funding over the last three months of this fiscal year and nearly $3 million in revenue losses via student fee refunds. For the fiscal year 2021, YSU projects an additional $8.7 million reduction in state funding, a loss of up to $1 million in investment income, and continued uncertainty concerning next year’s enrollment levels. Housing, dining, and parking revenue, totaling nearly $15 million annually, may also be threatened.
Less than three weeks ago Tressel announced he was taking a 15 percent salary reduction and that more than 100 other employees excluded from union membership will have their pay cut by as much as 10 percent, a projected savings of nearly $700,000.
Universities and colleges across Ohio and the nation have announced budget cuts, pay reductions, layoffs, and other actions in response to the financial crunch in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic.
“As we thoughtfully and collectively work through these unprecedented and complex challenges, we do so looking forward to the start of the Fall semester in August and the great opportunity to again help our students pursue success,” Tressel said.
