Mohawk College cuts 20% of admin jobs, more layoffs expected in January

What’s going on at Mohawk College?

Mohawk College in Hamilton has slashed its administrative workforce by approximately 20 per cent and suspended over a dozen programs.

In an email to staff on Dec. 6, President Paul Armstrong said 65 positions were eliminated across all divisions through retirement incentives.

“I know this is not an easy time for you,” the email reads.

“And there is still the uncertainty of not knowing what is going to happen in the new year.”

The update comes after the college announced plans last month to eliminate 200 to 400 jobs in response to a bleak fiscal outlook — projecting a $50-million deficit for the 2025-2026 academic year.

Why are these layoff happening?

Mohawk College attributes its financial challenges to several factors:

• Declining international student enrolments: Fall 2023 enrolment dropped to 6,166 from 7,309 in 2022. Applications for 2024 are down nearly 46% compared to the previous year.
• Government policies: Federal restrictions on international students, driven by housing shortages and concerns about private colleges, have further reduced enrolments across Ontario colleges.
• Provincial funding shortfalls: Colleges, including Mohawk, have long criticized insufficient government funding as a contributor to budget deficits.

Which programs are being suspended at Mohawk College?

According to Armstrong’s email, which was obtained by CBC News, the following programs will be suspended:

The School of Continuing Education is also merging with the college’s Marinucci Family Centre for Professional Advancement.

Unionized staff: What’s next?

The timeline for unionized layoffs remains uncertain:

• Faculty and academic staff: Represented by OPSEU Local 240, this group includes over 1,000 full-time and contract members. Local president Heather Giardine-Tuck said they don’t expect updates until the end of January.
• Support staff: Represented by OPSEU Local 241, this group includes more than 1,000 employees. A response to requests for comment has not yet been received.

Layoffs in these groups will follow the terms outlined in their collective agreements.

Broader challenges in the sector

Mohawk’s challenges reflect a province-wide trend.

Other institutions, such as Sheridan College in Toronto, have also announced layoffs due to declining international student enrolments and insufficient provincial funding.

As colleges continue to rely heavily on international tuition fees, these pressures are expected to persist.

How does this affect non-unionized employees?

If you’re a non-unionized employee who’s been laid off or is facing termination, here’s what you should know:

• You’re likely owed severance: You are entitled to full severance pay under the province’s employment laws.
• What severance includes: Severance packages can cover salary, bonuses, commissions, benefits, and more.
• Rights don’t change: Even in times of economic issues and restructuring, your rights as an employee remain protected.

Key severance facts for Mohawk College employees

If you’ve lost your job due to the layoffs, here’s what you need to know about general severance rights in Canada:

• Severance pay: Can be up to 24 months’ pay, depending on your role, age, length of service, and ability to find similar work.
• Deadlines: You have up to two years from your termination date to pursue a claim for severance.
• Misclassified employees: Contractors may also be eligible for severance if misclassified as independent contractors.
• Wrongful dismissal: You have been wrongfully dismissed if your employer terminates your employment, and fails to give you the proper amount of severance pay.

Use our Ontario Severance Pay Calculator to estimate what you’re owed.

Steps to take if you’ve been laid off

1. Don’t sign anything yet: Before accepting any severance offer, have it reviewed by an employment lawyer to ensure it’s fair.
2. Understand your rights: Learn about severance pay and employment standards through our blog and resources.
3. Contact us for help: Book a consultation with our team for a detailed review of your severance package and employment contract.

Talk to an employment lawyer

If you’ve been affected by layoffs at Mohawk College, it’s critical to understand your rights and secure the compensation you’re owed. Contact us today for expert legal advice and a free consultation.

Our lawyers in Ontario, Alberta, and B.C. have successfully represented tens of thousands of non-unionized individuals.

In addition to severance package negotiations, we can assist you on a broad range of employment matters, including:

Call 1-855-821-5900 or complete a quick form to get started.