At the University of Ottawa, significant changes have begun to shape the student services offered to the campus community, and the impact is being felt far and wide. Many know about the closure of several key resources, including the Multi-Faith Centre, Foot Patrol, the Bilingualism Centre, and the Peer Help Centre, yet the story behind the mass layoffs associated with these cuts remains less known.
Back in June, the University of Ottawa Students’ Union (UOSU) declared these services would be shut down due to dwindling membership fees. The closures were enforced starting July, leading to two weeks of layoffs where around 20 employees lost their jobs. For those affected, such abrupt termination at the peak of transitioning summer months has left many scrambling to cope with their new realities.
The affected employees received termination notices via their work emails just three weeks before the layoffs took effect. They faced the tough choice of either staying until the day of notice or leaving with their pay three weeks early. This created additional stress for employees, many of whom were primary earners for their families, as they rushed to secure new jobs and settle previous employment tasks simultaneously.
A mass email from UOSU, sent on July 20, endeavored to explain the changes made to the organization and assured laid-off employees they would receive fair severance packages, as stipulated by the collective agreement with the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE). The email also pointed out the permanent closure of the aforementioned services and suggested stressed workers access the Health and Wellness Centre for support.
During the decision-making process, discussions were held with committees and boards supervising the now-defunct services, but none of the actual service employees were included, highlighting the lack of communication within the union's decision-making structure.
Compounding the issue, UOSU also eliminated the position of communications supervisor across several equity service offices, such as the Feminist Resource Centre and the Pride Centre. With their teams reduced to three individuals working between 15 to 20 hours weekly, the staffing cuts have come at a time when there’s increased demand for the varied services offered.
Alongside the service closures, UOSU's restriction of graduate student access to the Food Bank and Student Rights Centre due to failed negotiations with the Graduate Students’ Association (GSAÉD) added insult to injury. UOSU contended GSAÉD missed key deadlines for financial agreements, forcing the change, which left many graduate students without the support they previously relied on.
Joseph Eastham, Ontario Public Interest Research Group Ottawa's (OPIRG Ottawa) financial and administrative coordinator, expressed disappointment, emphasizing, “The Food Bank and the Student Rights Centre were meant to help graduates with legal cases and those struggling with food insecurity.”
This shifting focus appears to neglect the needs of many students who rely on these services. “It doesn’t seem as though UOSU is concerned at all with graduate students, or the fact many of their members may eventually become graduate students,” Eastham added.
Meanwhile, on the ground, students began expressing concerns about their safety with Foot Patrol no longer operational. Numerous students voiced worries about walking home or completing errands during the evening hours. This growing sentiment of insecurity highlights the tangible impacts of UOSU's decisions on the university community.
The emotional fallout from these service closures rippled beyond those directly affected. Alumni and long-time users of the Peer Help Centre expressed their dismay, with one former user breaking down upon hearing about its termination.
Interim President of CUPE 4943, Elita Uch, critiqued UOSU’s lack of compassion during this turmoil. “I don’t really see as much compassion as I would have hoped ... There should have been more compassion. There should have been a way to approach this differently,” she noted.
CUPE representatives have met with UOSU multiple times to respond to members' grievances since the layoffs, yet delays have hampered timely discussions. To allow for potential rehiring, all laid-off employees could be placed on the recall list. This recall system prioritizes these former employees if they are qualified for available roles within UOSU.
UOSU is recruiting for new positions like events and campaigns supervisor and student rights advocate; yet, one significant hurdle remains: candidates must be current University of Ottawa students, leaving many experienced, non-student employees sidelined.
Many new coordinators have faced steep learning curves due to inadequate transition reports and structural support, leading to increased confusion. Some former employees lamented the hasty closures, believing previous services could have been revamped rather than terminated.
Adjusting to new dynamics post-layoffs is proving to be challenging, especially for international students who relied heavily on UOSU for financial support. The job loss has raised anxiety levels, as the pressure to maintain full-time enrollment status links directly with their immigration status.
These layoffs also took an emotional toll, as UOsU members shared experiences of severe burnout and frustration. Uch relayed, “There’s an overload of emotions ... greatly impacted, some of our members who were also facing personal struggles amid these layoffs.”
Seeking to ease tensions, the UOSU leadership offered reassurances. They expressed confidence those decisions were made and communicated with care. They acknowledged the difficult nature of the changes but argued they could serve students best.
UOSU's financial restructuring followed the students’ decision to reduce UOSU fees by approximately 10%—a move leading to budget cuts near $500,000. “Those included the closure of four services,” UOSU stated, adding alternative planning would be forthcoming and maintaining transparency throughout the process.
The reality is, readjusting has not been seamless. While some laid-off employees have found new positions, many are still struggling. Hiring and onboarding at UOSU felt rushed, especially during the peak back-to-school season, complicator otherwise simple transitions during these challenging times.
With increased student demands and limited services, the UO community must grapple with the permanence of these changes. The question remains: how will UOSU continue to support and adapt to the unique needs of its diverse student body moving forward?
