St. Lawrence College adds senior leadership roles

Additions come after job cuts earlier this year

St. Lawrence College is facing Union backlash after filling and creating new senior leadership positions, after they recently laid off 30 support staff and middle managers. 

The Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU) expressed concern over the decision, stating the addition of high-salary, non-student-facing roles stands in stark contrast to staff cuts. 

An open letter from the union highlights the strain on remaining employees, many of whom are working under precarious conditions.

Christina Decarie, president of OPSEU Local 417, criticized the college for hiring four upper-level managers, including two newly created positions, while staff morale plummeted due to layoffs. 

College president Glenn Vollebregt confirmed the layoffs were a result of the federal government’s decision to limit international student numbers, causing a 50% drop in enrollment at the college this year. 

The new positions are a promotion for a staffer to Chief of Staff and a new Indigenous Initiatives position has also been created. 

The layoffs are part of broader efforts to address the financial impact of declining international student enrollment.