The Editor,
Re. "117 in six figures in District 43" (The Tri-City News, Dec. 17).
The above-referenced story includes information on the severance package paid to former School District 43 secretary-treasurer Richard Humphreys.
Severance denotes a complete separation of the employer relationship. Severance packages are for employees who have been laid off, not voluntarily resigned.
The question that begs an answer is this: When keeping the former secretary-treasurer on the payroll, was he receiving full benefits, such as medical, vacation and pension contributions and service? If that is the case, there is an additional cost of 30% for benefits. The total cost for paying the secretary-treasurer for 18 months would then be approximately $230,000 plus 30%, if benefits were provided.
The resignation could not have come at a worse time as the former secretary-treasurer was probably the most knowledgeable person to explain the large deficit the district was in.
It is a pretty rich resignation package when you consider a 35-year CUPE employee whose position is eliminated receives six months' severance pay. The former secretary-treasurer worked here just over three years.
Dave Ginter, President, CUPE Local 561
