Western Illinois University Laying Off 132 Employees

MACOMB, Ill. (AP) -- Western Illinois University has laid off 132 employees due to budget difficulties.

Officials at the Macomb school say 29 faculty members, 89 civil service workers, a dozen academic service personnel and two administrative employees lost their jobs. The announcement was made Friday.

The Chicago Tribune reported Tuesday that WIU President Jack Thomas said expenditures had to be reduced due to "the current budget situation, including decreased enrollment." He says WIU will provide career counseling and job search assistance.

The university fact book says about 2,100 faculty and staff worked at WIU in fall 2018.

William Thompson is president of the University Professionals of Illinois chapter at WIU. He says the union will fight the layoffs. He called it "a terribly sad experience."

Union members plan a Wednesday rally to support their colleagues.