Union: PennWest to furlough more than a dozen employees

By KELLEN STEPLER
TribLive

Pennsylvania Western University plans to furlough employees at its campuses in California and Clarion because of financial and enrollment challenges.

Earlier this month, PennWest notified AFSCME Council 13 that it intends to furlough more than a dozen employees at California and Clarion beginning Nov. 16, according to the union.

Union leaders said PennWest told them it is moving forward with furloughs because of a projected budget deficit, increased personnel costs and lower student enrollment. According to a post on the union’s website, PennWest told the union that there are “no projects of recovery in enrollment.”

In response to the union’s statement, Wendy Mackall, a PennWest spokeswoman, said the university is nearing the end of a three-year effort to build a sustainable, affordable university centered on student success.

As part of the process, a “small number” of furloughs were announced following a review of vacancies, retirements and attrition, Mackall said.

“These difficult but necessary decisions reflect the financial realities facing public universities nationwide, including enrollment shifts and ongoing uncertainty in state funding,” Mackall said. “Addressing these challenges now is essential to ensure long-term sustainability and our continued ability to serve students effectively.

“PennWest remains focused on stabilizing enrollment through innovative programs and strategic partnerships that strengthen the university’s future and is fully committed to providing students with a high-quality education, personalized support and vibrant campus experiences.”

The union represents more than 2,500 maintenance, clerical and administrative workers across the state system of higher education, including 270 employees at PennWest’s California and Clarion campuses.

The union said it is pushing to save or minimize the jobs slated for furlough. In a statement, the union said furloughs would only worsen enrollment, and requested to partner with Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (PASSHE) leadership to address the enrollment issues.

The state budget impasse also is playing a factor in PennWest’s struggles. A signed state budget wouldn’t immediately solve PennWest’s current financial struggles, the union’s statement said, but it would give all parties a clearer path for the future.

“Furloughing AFSCME members at PennWest University is not a solution to the ongoing and deeply rooted budget challenges,” said CJ DeJuliis, AFSCME Local 2322 President and IT generalist at California.

“Their commitment ensures that students, especially those who might not otherwise have access, can pursue affordable, high-quality education while commuting to or living on these beautiful campuses in western Pennsylvania.”

PennWest’s three campuses — California, Clarion and Edinboro — merged in 2022. Total enrollment this fall is 10,548, a 2.64% decrease from last year, but officials were optimistic in growth from online and dual enrollment, where high school students can earn college credit.

For the first time in seven years, PASSHE increased its tuition 3.6% for this fall. Full-year tuition in the state system is $7,994.