‘Workforce adjustment’ underway at city hall
By Tim Kalinowski on June 29, 2021.
LETHBRIDGE HERALDtkalinowski@lethbridgeherald.com The City of Lethbridge is confirming it is in the process of making a “workforce adjustment” approved by council last November.According to social media reports as many as 61 City employees were laid off last week. While the City is not confirming an exact number as the official report has yet to come before city council, the City is confirming it is following the Workforce Reduction Initiative brought forth by Coun. Blaine Hyggen and approved by councillors at the Nov. 16 council meeting.
The Initiative included a 10 per cent reduction in pay for city council members in 2021 for a projected savings of $77,300, and a zero per cent wage increase for management and non-union staff in 2021 with a projected savings of $513,000. It also stipulated a three-year reduction in the overall City workforce, in keeping with the KPMG recommendations, over three years through a combination of attrition and retirement for a savings of $5 million. And a 50 per cent reduction in the mayor and council’s 2021 travel budget which would save the City $56,000.
The Herald did seek comment from unions associated with the City of Lethbridge, but had received no response to our inquiries as of press time on Monday. Follow @TimKalHerald on Twitter 4
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