By Nicole Schmidt
The Ryerson Faculty Association (RFA) sent a letter to Ryerson Students’ Union (RSU) president Andrea Bartlett on March 7 in response to the layoff of Gilary Massa last semester.
“The RFA is dismayed and concerned that another community organisation would behave in a way that does not show respect for people’s dignity and workplace rights,” wrote RFA president Peter Danziger.
Massa was the former executive director of communications for the RSU. Her position was eliminated on Dec. 1 due to financial constrains, according to the RSU, and she was laid off. One day earlier, Natasha Campagna, former student engagement and business development coordinator of the Ryerson Commerce Society, started as the new RSU general manager — a full-time position created last semester.
Several groups have released statements in response to the layoff, including the University of Toronto Students’ Union and the Canadian Union of Public Employees 1281. Last week, Massa announced that she filed a human rights complaint against the RSU.
The RFA has urged Bartlett to reinstate Massa immediately.
“These sorts of decisions seriously impact peoples’ livelihoods and careers,” wrote Danziger. “If student organisations are going to be entrusted with the responsibility of entering into employment relationships, then it should be expected of such organisations that they exercise this authority in an enlightened, responsible and accountable fashion.”
Not happy
Sounds like the eye opener has become a biased article