The Daily Orange’s recent article and editorial regarding the layoffs at Bird Library that ran Feb. 2 inaccurately portrayed how the layoff process was handled.

The decision to undertake layoffs at the library was a very difficult one. Throughout the process, we worked carefully to ensure that affected employees were treated compassionately and empathetically, and given as much support and as many resources as possible.

Those employees who were affected were notified on Jan. 7. Most employees chose to go home to begin considering their career options – some remained at work. Regardless, all were paid for the next full week. Each employee received a substantial separation package that included continuation of a year of health and other benefits, and a lump-sum payment of up to six months of salary. They were also offered job placement services, including their own career coach to assist and advise them as they seek other positions.

We have partnered with union president Jerry Dennis in this process to assist library employees who were union members. This included the development of the separation package, expansion of recall rights and specific job placement assistance for union members.

In accordance with library employees’ existing union contract, there is a re-assignment or ‘bumping’ process, based on seniority, which automatically takes place if layoffs occur. Employees are aware of this process, as it is part of the contract. We worked exhaustively with the union, before and after the layoffs occurred, to identify every possible option for affected employees that the contract allowed. As part of this effort, several library employees accepted other bargaining unit positions outside of the library when reassignment within the library was not possible.

We know that this has been a difficult time for employees who have been impacted and have tried to do all we can to assist them moving forward.

Suzanne Thorin Dean of Libraries and University Librarian

Neil StrodelAssociate Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer

Published on February 2, 2009 at 12:00 pm