The Store in the University Union lays off all Sac State student employees
Employees received email with 1 day’s notice
The Store in the University Union at Sacramento State laid off all student employees in an email sent out Thursday, stating their last day of employment would be Friday. The email cited the shift to online classes due to coronavirus fears.
March 14, 2020
The Store in Sacramento State’s University Union laid off all student employees Friday citing shift to online classes, according to an email sent to them Thursday obtained by The State Hornet.
“Not sure if everyone has heard, but Sac State will be converting to online classes only for the remainder of the spring semester. Because of this, tomorrow will be the last day (of) employment until the Fall semester starts,” the email from The Store manager Steve James said.
March 13 was the last day of employment for student employees.
Story continues below email screenshot.
A student and now-former employee who requested anonymity expressed frustration at the lack of notice given to students.
“I realize that there wasn’t really a good way to go about this, but I was expecting more from an on-campus job,” the student said.
RELATED: ‘We’re worried for our jobs’: The impact of online-only classes on Sac State eateries, employees
The student said their concerns stem from needing a job to pay bills.
“I’m not really worried about being able to do my work, it’s more so like paying my bills cause it was my only job,” the student said.
The student said The Store will only have the general manager and two assistant managers working there, and that it will operate under “summer hours,” which are Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Friday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
At the time of publication, James had not yet responded to requests for comment.
Jesbaam Sanchez • Mar 16, 2020 at 6:51 pm
It’s happening at my school as well, American River College. The student’s should sue for the lack of unemployment notice, typically for any job they should give a 30 day notice before they fire you. That is what happened at my work place, but my school was smart about it and extended the time from being to work for 4 day to a 30 day notice.
Just shows how screwed up the school system is and how unprepared they were.
Jared Reece • Mar 16, 2020 at 7:19 am
I could be wrong, but isint California one of those states where your employer must give you two months wages if they do not give you 60 days notice of a pending layoff?
Professor Falken • Mar 15, 2020 at 5:55 pm
Another reason for student workers to unionize, and a GREAT example of why the university should never outsource jobs to private on-campus employers.
Holley Vallieres • Mar 15, 2020 at 1:08 pm
So athletes don’t have to worry, but other student employees get one day’s notice? This is ridiculous!
Sylvia Cuellar • Mar 15, 2020 at 9:34 am
I am really sad to hear this.
Not only will students be deprived of having access to library and professors, but also to jobs they depend on to live. Not everyone excels or chooses online classes.