Winthrop University plans to slash dozens of campus jobs with outsourcing plan
Dozens of Winthrop University jobs could be cut as the school eyes changes to the way it keeps up its facilities.
President Edward Serna emailed staff last month detailing plans that could lead to job losses. Winthrop put a request out to find a company that would take over its facilities maintenance.
The outsourcing would impact central energy, HVAC, plumbing, electrical, custodial, grounds maintenance, utilities, post office and other jobs.
Finding that vendor would mean a limited reduction in force, Serna wrote, but the vendor would be required to interview staffers whose jobs are impacted.
It’s still early in that process, Winthrop CFO and vice president for finance and business affairs Kevin Butler told The Herald Thursday. A contract with an outside vendor isn’t expected before mid-August, Butler said.
The number of impacted jobs isn’t set, but it’s likely 50 to 60 positions. That count includes potential retirees.
Why is Winthrop outsourcing maintenance jobs?
Maintenance staffing is a longstanding issue, Serna wrote last month. A strong labor market for trades employees and decreased interest in full-time grounds or custodial work have impacted Winthrop’s ability to fill open positions.
Recruiting has been difficult and turnover has been high. A third of facilities maintenance jobs were vacant as of Serna’s message to staff.
Workers at Winthrop have been spread thin, and there have been work request delays or service gaps. Winthrop appreciates its workers, Serna wrote, “but we cannot continue with the status quo.”
A reduction in force plan, which would identify jobs that would be lost, would come after the outside vendor is identified. It requires State Division of Human Resources approval.
Winthrop would keep “a limited number of full-time positions” in campus planning, capital projects management, sustainability and environmental health and safety, Serna wrote. Other roles would be transitioned away from state employment.
Along with facilities maintenance, there’s also a request for outsourcing medical services in athletics. No other jobs are being considered for privatization.
Some Winthrop jobs have been outsourced for years. They include food service, bookstore and police positions.
Are Winthrop job losses related to funding?
Winthrop isn’t looking for or expecting cost savings from the move to a private company, Serna wrote. It’s an effort to improve the way Winthrop manages its campus.
Hiring will continue while Winthrop works to identify a company, and new hires will have the situation explained to them. Some employees may be eligible to retire, and Winthrop is looking at possible financial incentives for people at or close to retirement age.
Winthrop hasn’t filed a Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification, or WARN notice. Those reports are required when large employers plan large layoffs or closings.
Winthrop is a four-year public university of nearly 5,000 students in Rock Hill. Winthrop has more than 650 employees.
