Shirlee Zerkel: Questions for Laura Ecklar

From Shirlee Zerkel, July 13, 2010
Subject: Question about STRS layoffs

Dear Ms. Ecklar:

I commend STRS for saving some money with their layoffs last month. You said that it was a review of operating efficiencies and procedure that led to this reorganization and layoff in the member (retiree) benefits department.

Was this due to your new computer software? If so, would it be possible to also lay off that many in the staff benefits department since both departments deal with benefits for either members or staff?

Sincerely,
Shirlee Zerkel

From Laura Ecklar, July 14, 2010
Subject: RE: Question about STRS lay-offs
Dear Ms. Zerkel:
In reply to your e-mail below, there are no other reductions-in-force planned at this time. Thank you.
Laura Ecklar

From Shirlee Zerkel, July 14, 2010
Subject: New questions

Dear Ms. Ecklar:

Thanks for your very prompt answer.

How many staff member did we have in the members benefit department?

How many do we now have after the lay-off?

What areas of the members benefits department was cut?

What was their severance package and for how long?

I am asking because I am interested in the impact it will have on members.

Sincerely,
Shirlee

From Shirlee Zerkel, July 14, 2010
Subject: Fwd: New questions
Wonder what severence for staff was approved by the board?! Below is Laura's answer to me about the 9 employees who were dismissed from the staff.
Shirlee

From Laura Ecklar, July 14, 2010
Subject: RE: New questions
Dear Ms. Zerkel,
In reply to your e-mail below, the reduction-in-force was done six weeks ago after a review of operating efficiencies and procedures resulted in some reorganization in the Member Benefits Department. A reduction-in-force is not the same thing as a layoff. With a layoff, there is a possibility that employees may return to their positions if business improves, demand increases, etc. A reduction-in-force means that the positions have been eliminated. That is the case with STRS Ohio. With the reorganization, the work formerly done by these nine associates was redistributed to other associates. Consequently, there has been no impact on service to STRS Ohio members. The Member Benefits Department now has a total of 174 associates. The board-approved STRS Ohio Severance Policy was followed; severance packages vary based on the years of service for each affected associate. Thank you.
Laura Ecklar
Director, Communication Services