East Carolina University announces more furloughs, pay cuts

GREENVILLE, N.C. (AP) — A university in North Carolina has announced temporary furloughs and pay cuts for its athletics staff due to budget deficits caused by the coronavirus pandemic.

The salary reductions and furloughs for coaches and staff members at East Carolina University will start next month, Jon Gilbert, the university’s athletic director said in a statement Monday. They are based on salary, and will be effective through June 2021.

“These were not easy decisions but necessary ones as we continue to manage our budget for this year and future years,” Gilbert said. “I hold our staff in the highest regard, and I sympathize for all of them as we work to offset our financial losses and navigate a path to sustainability.”

The entire athletics staff was recently furloughed for five days to reduce the school’s deficit by $4.7 million, the statement said. The university estimates a $25 million budget shortfall this fall, The News & Observer reported.