U of L responds to surplus claim made by AUPE

The University of Lethbridge took issue Monday regarding claims made last week by the Alberta Union of Provincial Employees are representing U of L support staff in proposed mediation.

“The University of Lethbridge Board of Governors has been informed by the Alberta Union of Provincial Employees (AUPE), Local 053, which represents non-academic support staff at the University of Lethbridge, that it has submitted an application for mediation to come to an agreement on a new contract. The current AUPE Agreement expired June 30, 2017.

“The Board values the contributions of AUPE members to students and the U of L community. Over 500 AUPE members provide vital and necessary support to the university that enhances and supports the fundamental teaching and research mission of the university.

“In a message dated Sept. 12, AUPE cites an accumulated surplus for the University of $206 million. As a consequence we have been receiving some questions about this figure. This figure, unfortunately, does not reflect funds that are available for ongoing operating expenses of the university such as salary and benefits for continuing staff members. The number cited refers to the net assets of the university and includes restricted funds such as endowment funds that are used mostly in support of student scholarships and bursaries and are legally required to be maintained in perpetuity, investment in capital which is the value of university-owned capital and not cash, and other restricted funds.”

The U of L said in the release the board and AUPE bargaining teams have been working diligently to arrive at an agreement and the board is optimistic that through mediation an agreement can be reached.