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Saturday, May 25, 2013
Any regrets?
So...for those of us who remain who were too chicken or unable to take the SSVSP for whatever reason .....regrets?
I tought these comments were interesting. Shows that at least a few people at still thinking and not brain-dead
Anonymous Anonymous said... About 450 Happy campers signed up! This is fact.
May 24, 2013 at 9:29 PM
Anonymous Anonymous said... Anonymous Anonymous said... About 450 Happy campers signed up! This is fact.
May 24, 2013 at 9:29 PM
Very good. I was hoping for more but at least this prevent any more lay-offs for FY-13. Now we need to look at FY-14 where LLNS is already $80M short. I suspect between the $80M , 130 people suing the lab who will al get similar payouts as did the first five will result in additional shortfalls of about $70M and then comes sequestration and congress saying hell no we're not giving you a dime to save your ass. My guess is LLNS should be about $150M short for FY-14. That should result in another 500 people out the gate by Dec 25th 2013. Afterward they can relax until the next cut only 10 months away.
May 25, 2013 at 7:08 AM
Anonymous Anonymous said... Whooo, all you young people should be saying thank you to everyone who took the SSVSP. They just saved you jobs for FY-14.
450 X $300,000 = $135,000,000
They just paid off FY-13 debt, the laws suits to come and all of FY-14 fiscal problems. If LLNS would just keep doing this every year for the next ten years the lab will finally be downsized to fit its future budgets. The sad new is this. It means there will be no ISP and for those who were waiting for this to happen so you could draw 24 months of unemployment, you're just SOL and missed the boat. Thanks to all those who took the SSVSP. I will forever be in debt to you.
May 25, 2013 at 7:18 AM
Anonymous Anonymous said... May 25, 2013 at 7:18 AM
You seemed to have forgotten about one more bill Parney has to pay. He owes the TCP-1 pension plan $40M from last year and $80M this year so there goes $120 million of the $135 million he just saved by the SSVSP. I guess that'll keep the TCP-1 employee contributions to 5% instead of 7%. There is some good that came out of this but on that note we're back to shortfalls and an guaranteed ISP. Is there no winning here?
May 25, 2013 at 7:53 AM
Anonymous Anonymous said... May 25, 2013 at 7:18 AM
Also, don't forget the half year's salary owed to the 450.
May 25, 2013 at 9:15 AM
Anonymous Anonymous said... My bet is NNSA gave them this money to LLNS and it will not come out of the operational funds and for sure LLNS $82M for profit and party money they get for doing such a shit-hot job. Otherwise they'd have never put a cap of 600 people. You'll also see top mangers get big boners checks for this too.
Not me. I can't wait for 6-13-2013 comes so I can get away from all the morons I had to support and basically do what they were supposed to. Now the worthless, can do their own work, do without or find some other lackey they can beat on. I think I finally understand MLK's quote of," Free at last, thank God almighty, Free at last". It will be nice to finally have the chains cut. Now I can go away and let my ligatures heal.
The moron coefficient has jumped a bit at the lab when you let employees self select for separation. What the effect involuntary separation will have on the moron coefficient, It could go many ways. Considering the golden boys making the decisions in management, the moron coefficient may get worse. After all, they don't like people who are threats and who expose the incompetence and poor judgment of the golden boy network. My prediction is that the moron coefficient just gets higher and higher moving forward.
Any regrets, hell no. Unfortunately, LLNS is gonna "break the backs" of who's left. Nothing will "come off the plate".
May 25, 2013 at 2:58 PM
I'm going to agree with you on this on. My bet is they'll work them harder and faster so as to induce stress in hopes you’ll fall over on the job and they'll get to keep the retirement pay. I guess that's one way to keep TCP_1 funded. The insurance payment is not out of LLNS pocket so they don’t care. You’ll just be one less body on the payroll and in their eyes, that’s all good. You people that remain are going to have to stand up to the chumps that will be pushing you hard, give’m the international peace sign, tell’m to have a good day and feel good about yourself for telling them to go pound sand; or they’re going to literally run you in the dirt. They’ll have all type of CYA classes, preach safety first, claim they have an open door policy and imply if you feel stressed you should say so but those little talks are just the lawyers covering their ausses. They could care less if you have a stroke.
Am I feeling any regret for taking the SSVSP.. I don’t think so…..
Am I feeling any regret for taking the SSVSP.. I don’t think so…..
We'll miss your reading skills.
May 25, 2013 at 4:10 PM
What makes you think just because someone takes the SSVSP or maybe retired many years ago they're going to stop reading or posting to this blog. Want to bet this will go one forever? You're going to be patrolling and correcting grammar and spelling for decades to come. So don’t worry about the content it’s the affect and truth that matters. That’s what it’s called LLNL The True Story not LLNL The Managements Story. The bottom Line. It really doesn't matter what you think and I'll assure you being pro-management isn't going to help you a bit.
Am I feeling any regret for taking the SSVSP.. I don’t think so…..
We'll miss your reading skills.
May 25, 2013 at 4:10 PM
What makes you think just because someone takes the SSVSP or maybe retired many years ago they're going to stop reading or posting to this blog. Want to bet this will go one forever? You're going to be patrolling and correcting grammar and spelling for decades to come. So don’t worry about the content it’s the affect and truth that matters. That’s what it’s called LLNL The True Story not LLNL The Managements Story. The bottom Line. It really doesn't matter what you think and I'll assure you being pro-management isn't going to help you a bit.
The True Story and the Only Story Is. 450 people gone by June 13th and 500 + more to between Oct 1st and Dec 31st 2013. Then we can start preparing for FY-14 lay-offs.
What makes you think just because someone takes the SSVSP or maybe retired many years ago they're going to stop reading or posting to this blog.
I don't. If you read the question it was directed at those who were eligible for the SSVSP but couldn't/wouldn't take it and their reasons for not doing so...but hey you go ahead and continue "contributing".
So don’t worry about the content it’s the affect and truth that matters. That’s what it’s called LLNL The True Story not LLNL The Managements Story.
...don't worry about the content...??? Blog...content....hmmmm?
Ahhh... thinking skills as poor as the reading skills...more is the pity! Did you work for DOE directly....this would explain much.
The bottom Line. It really doesn't matter what you think and I'll assure you being pro-management isn't going to help you a bit.
NO nononono.......you mean that posting here anonymously about something completely unrelated to management either pro or con isn't going to curry favor with anyone?
I guess I'll need to rethink this whole anonymous posting thing. Maybe dashing copies of all my posts to Parney will help?
Thanks for commenting and letting the board know for whom you used to work! Stupidity of this level isn't found at the regular Human Resources Management level....it only comes from the top flight personnel working in Strategic Human Resources Management!
The Nazi is wrong. You should answer whatever question you want even if it differs from the thread lead. The nazi goes after spealling and grammer to change the subject all the time. The nazi is also wrong quite often. Atleast most posters keep the topic relevant to the lab. Ignore the nazi posts . Scooby should just delete them when he sees nazi posts anyways.
Nazi or not, nothing is going to change on this blog and I hope it doesn't. I look forward to reading any further post. At least the people who do read this blog get more facts here than anything management would ever supply.
Again.
What makes you think just because someone takes the SSVSP or maybe retired many years ago they're going to stop reading or posting to this blog. Want to bet this will go one forever? You're going to be patrolling and correcting grammar and spelling for decades to come. So don’t worry about the content it’s the affect and truth that matters. That’s what it’s called ( LLNL The True Story ) not ( LLNL The Management Story ). The bottom Line. It really doesn't matter what you think and I'll assure you being pro-management isn't going to help you a bit.
Have a nice life, keep working until you are seventy and believe you'll have $1.5M to $2.0M in your 401k or assets before you leave, as they reduce your salary and promise you nothing. Good luck.
Nazi or not, nothing is going to change on this blog and I hope it doesn't. I look forward to reading any further post. At least the people who do read this blog get more facts here than anything management would ever supply.
Again.
What makes you think just because someone takes the SSVSP or maybe retired many years ago they're going to stop reading or posting to this blog. Want to bet this will go one forever? You're going to be patrolling and correcting grammar and spelling for decades to come. So don’t worry about the content it’s the affect and truth that matters. That’s what it’s called ( LLNL The True Story ) not ( LLNL The Management Story ). The bottom Line. It really doesn't matter what you think and I'll assure you being pro-management isn't going to help you a bit.
Have a nice life, keep working until you are seventy and believe you'll have $1.5M to $2.0M in your 401k or assets before you leave, as they reduce your salary and promise you nothing. Good luck.
Good thing you posted your whiny little screed .......again
Now get your auss back to work in your _work for life salve labor liberal pinhead socialist democratic society_. You've got another 40 years to do at low wages and no benefits for your masters, whereby you'll probably die on the job after paying ~$400K in to SS and never get to draw it. Some illegal alien or drug user will love you for your contribution to his or her well being.
First the dummies post that the 400 VSP target is not achievable and look for the ISP coming soon. Then when the 400 target is surpassed, the dummies state everything they said before is now wrong and there will be an ISP soon. I call them dummies but they are liars who are trying to hurt their fellow employees. I think all those who took the VSP are smart (rough days ahead for the Lab) and should not let themselves be manipulated by the liars who only want to hurt their LLNL friends and colleagues. It is likely these liars may be people we have coffee with and smile at us as they try to trip us up.
Who in the hell said " First the dummies post that the 400 VSP target is _not achievable_ and look for the ISP coming soon. First of all I surprised only 425 took it. I was hoping for 1500 or more but it looks like NNSA was more on target with 600. As far as an ISP goes I think the dummies are right on the money and I think they are right about there being a man power reduction year after year. I haven't seen a damn this out here that's been wrong from the day of the transition. It's all been very good information and I'm grateful for all those dummies who let managements secrets onto the web. It's a good thing otherwise we'd all be taken by surprise and caught with out pants down, so you keep calling them dummies. I'll call them informants. And good ones to boot. Keep writing dummies, we are very receptive and are in fact listening to those who have a brain.
I agree. We need to stick to the topics. This thread is on SSVP. Others coming down the pipeline regarding problems with ignition on NIF. New information to chew on.
The labbie nazi is really upset and lashing out at just about anyone he sees as an enemy. Just counting the times that thread posts hit a nerve (or an artery), I would guess that laser EoS is one of the topics contributing big time to lab nazi anger. And to think that the shite is still in the pipeline and hasn't even hit the fan yet...
Damn it keeps getting worse. What happened to that 450, People chickened out. What a bunch of whooses. 405 - 600 would have been a much better #. I guess it doesn't matter, the ISP will take care of any shortfalls I'll assure you.
A solid indicator that "things are good for workers at LLNS".
May 29, 2013 at 6:44 PM
I believe you are overall correct. There is a small but very vocal minority that hates LLNS, and wishes the worst for LLNL in general, based on some past perceived grievance or other. Unfortunately, they will continue to try to poison the water for the rest of us, who are coping reasonably well and looking forward to the rest of our careers. I believe they are mostly below the ambient noise level, except on this blog, where thankfully they are completely powerless.
Anonymous said... A solid indicator that "things are good for workers at LLNS".
May 29, 2013 at 6:44 PM
I believe you are overall correct. There is a small but very vocal minority that hates LLNS, and wishes the worst for LLNL in general, based on some past perceived grievance or other. Unfortunately, they will continue to try to poison the water for the rest of us, who are coping reasonably well and looking forward to the rest of our careers. I believe they are mostly below the ambient noise level, except on this blog, where thankfully they are completely powerless.
Anonymous said... Anonymous said... A solid indicator that "things are good for workers at LLNS".
May 29, 2013 at 6:44 PM
I believe you are overall correct. There is a small but very vocal minority that hates LLNS, and wishes the worst for LLNL in general, based on some past perceived grievance or other. Unfortunately, they will continue to try to poison the water for the rest of us, who are coping reasonably well and looking forward to the rest of our careers. I believe they are mostly below the ambient noise level, except on this blog, where thankfully they are completely powerless.
And Kirk cheated on the Kobayashi Maru. But the difference is that we won't pat NIF on the back for using such "novel" strategies for buying time and deceiving the public.
June 13th, 2013 is going to be one of the finest days of my life. LLNL journey has ended and much better days are to come. For the first twenty-five years I never woke up in the morning asking myself, why the hell do I have to come to LLNL. As a matter a fact I use to work longer and even took my work home with me, sometimes waking up at 2:00AM realizing I had an interference fit issue and couldn’t afford for this print to go out to production without the correction. I’d get out of bed, pull up the CAD program, make the correction, and send it back to work and then return to bed. This went on for decades and I never felt I was doing any more than any good employee would do. Then comes the transition from UC to LLNS. I can honesty says that was the beginning of the end for my career and all that I had worked for since I was hired. I saw my pension go to hell, knew the firm taking over was comprised of hatchet men with a mission to seek and destroy all that was good and to be paid big bucks to do so. I knew the lab would never be the same and none of what they were to do was going to be advantageous to the employee. I read all of LANL and LLNL questions and answers during the transition saw the writing on the wall and was correct on all my assumptions and still am to this day. It doesn’t take a brain to be able to see the freight train coming down the track, it just takes common sense, paying attention to the budgets and understanding how LLNS management resolves all their shortfalls.
For the young you have a very big hammer hanging over your heads. That hammer is this. How can I afford to retire at 55, 60, 62 or every 66? I know most of you younglings aren’t thinking about retirement, but believe it or not, it’s right on your heels and closing at Mach 1. You just haven’t felt the bowel wave yet. If you young people don’t have a plan and start fighting for higher wages, a defined pension program and full medical upon retirement, the impact is going to hurt big time and there will be no way for you to recover. Do yourselves a favor, come together as a fighting force and put the current - “work for life slave labor workforce” - they cast put upon you to rest or you’re going to get the bad end of the stick in the end. All the people who died in all the wars since WW 1 I assure you did not die thinking you people we're going to allow all their lives to be in vein. They fought and died for a cause that was in total opposition to the one you have allowed the socialist of this world bring upon you. Put an end to this now, or you’ll get what you have allowed and not only you will suffer but so will your sons, daughters, grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Look back to the Soviet Union and China work force to see your future if you do nothing
If you took TCP-1 (as you probably should have, with 25 years in UCRP), there has been essentially no change in your retirement pension. If you took TCP-2 and aren't doing well, who's fault is that?
You argue colorfully about all the bad alternatives to capitalism, and then ask that the company take care of you by providing a defined benefit program. Seems contradictory to me.
For better or worse, the country (not just LLNS) has turned retirement over to the workers, because that seems to be what we asked for.
And if you don't like your wages - LEAVE! It's not only an option, it's a duty. You're in business, man! Why would you choose to work under conditions that are less advatageous than you could get elsewhere?
With the job market around the Bay Area, there is NO excuse for thinking of yourself as "work for life slave labor force", except laziness and entitlement.
The number of takers is irrelevant. What matters is the budget for the lab and what the lab is doing to strengthen its position for more stable future funding. The budget and revenue drives how many employees the lab can sustain and how many need to go out the door. I argue that the lab has made reckless and irreversible decisions by doubling down on NIF and reducing its long term viability. It's fine for those expected to be kept high and dry until the end (I.e.nif programs.) but look at the big picture. LLNS has horrible long term prospects. 1.5B from venture capitalists? Gimme a break. It's an expensive money pit. And they haven't done anything to merit getting more money (I.e., meeting critical ignition milestones, being a leader in EoS, etc. etc.). The lab just makes it easy for Feinstein and others to "just say no."
Regarding the comment by Anonymous on May 30, 2013 at 12:46 PM: "If you took TCP-1 (as you probably should have, with 25 years in UCRP), there has been essentially no change in your retirement pension."
I also had 20+ years with UCRP at transition, and there was no way I was transferring my hard-earned pension to an unknown start-up company, aka LLNS. TCP-1 is not the same as UCRP - one big difference is that there is no lump sum retirement payout available with TCP-1. And folks in TCP2 are not paying a 5% penalty to keep the UC pension funded.
one last item: Almost every use of mute (unable to speak) on this blog should be MOOT (of little or no practical value or meaning). Sorry to lecture, but had to clarify.
June 13 will see 400+ employees with shit-eating grins walking out the gates. Only 2 weeks to go to FREEDOM!!!
So what's your complaint? You're blaming LLNS because you decided to stay with UCRS, and that caused "your pension to go to hell"?
Take responsibility for your own actions.
Under the same circumstances, I took TCP-1, and it looks good to me (and I've studied it enough to know).
So how exactly, did your pension "go to hell"? You opted out of TCP-1 because you succumbed to fear (like that mongered by many of the posters on this blog). If that lead to your pension "going to hell" how can you then claim that you have been "correct on all my assumptions and still am to this day." On the contrary, I would say that you were pretty much dead wrong on the most important decision.
You can continue to predict the absolute worst in every case, and make decisions that way. Just don't blame everything else for your bad furtune when you do.
But I agree with you about "moot". I continue to wish that all those mute points really were.
For further comment: For those TCP-1 folks who took the buy out I would guess that most are retiring earlier than expected. Not considering their contribution to the fund, would the TCP-1 pension now have fewer liabilities? And should be in better financial shape?
As the May 30, 2013 at 10:46 PM commenter, I was certainly not complaining of my TCP2 choice. I was stating that with 20+ years the obvious choice was not LLNS TCP1. I'm happy with my TCP2 choice, and my 401, 403B, and 457 are all doing well enough for me to take the SSVSP.
Anonymous said... That 50 page checkout list will keep you occupied for that full duration.
June 1, 2013 at 4:04 AM
That will be nice starting I hope June 3rd. It will be nice to go from location to location with a smile from ear-to-ear and feel FREE AT LAST knowing the fun for all those who are left has only started and will only get worse. My bet is all those who did not take the SSVSP but will close are going to have a very long, hard three to five years and I do mean long and hard. They need to take a picture of themselves now and then another one on the day the retire and look at the aging that'll take place. It will be at warp factory 10.
Took TCP1 with over 25 years of service and have no regrets at all since it will allow me to retire sooner. Any TCP1's taking SSVSP will help (less to pay out in the long run). It seems those who think or feel it should go to PBGC are only hoping so to help them feel better about their decision. They're the same posters who desperately want LLNS to fail (it's what they live for, sadly). I agree that fear tainted most decisions to go with TCP2. But unlike most TCP2 posts, I would like to see BOTH plans succeed. Are there any TCP2'ers out there who feel the same?? Crickets chirping...
The checkout is not so bad. It's the time spent packing that will be the most work.
June 1, 2013 at 5:31 PM
Leave it all behind. From experience, 90% of what you think you need to take with you will be irrelevant to your life 6 months from now, if you do retirement right.
Anonymous Anonymous said... The checkout is not so bad. It's the time spent packing that will be the most work.
June 1, 2013 at 5:31 PM
I started cleaning my office a weeks ago and tool the one thing I valued the most home with me Friday. A picture of my wife and myself at Yosemite. The rest is for salvage since they have no intension of replacing me but only to work the remainder, a lot harder. I them made arrangements to see my (one and only) female friend, who has at least ten years to go, wishing her the best in life and hoping someday I'll see her again in public after I separate from LLNL, to see how she's doing. I will not miss the place at all but I will miss some of the people who had their sheet in one sock. The ones that were jerks, will always be jerks and a pain in the auss for all those that remain I sure.
As the May 30, 2013 at 10:46 PM commenter who is TCP2, I do NOT wish for TCP1 to fail. I have many friends who will continue to work at LLNS, and I would not wish them failure in their future retirements. They will have a hard enough time as they need to pick up the slack from their coworkers who are walking out the door.
I don't want to rub in my impending exit, but it is really hard to contain my happiness at work, and I'm probably annoying those who will remain in the salt mines. Sorry. :)
The checkout is not so bad. It's the time spent packing that will be the most work.
I've been slowing cleaning out my office for the last couple of years. However, I've been doing this in a way to keep others from easily noticing. All of my filing cabinets were emptied a year ago but I've kept stuff on my desks/tables to make my office look cluttered. I have several piles of junk papers that I don't need to sort through again so I can easily throw them out. I've removed about 2/3 of the books and other material from my bookcases, although I've kept some things on each shelf so it doesn't look empty.
I've been planning for "June 13" for quite some time. Obviously, I didn't know the exact date but the writing on the wall was easy to recognize.
I'll miss many of my colleagues, both inside and outside the Lab. This includes many of the sponsors who have funded my work. What I won't miss is the endless supply of management crap. I wouldn't say it is specifically intentional, but in practice Laboratory management at all levels does everything it can to inhibit real work from getting done.
How many people were disapproved for the SSVSP? I'm hearing good news but never really heard a final number. I was approved and checked off on the waiver late this afternoon. Now comes the fun part, checking out. Sure wish we could get started.
All you folks that took the VSP have my best wishes and congratulations. I'm truly glad that you were all able to get a good deal. Personally, I enjoy seeing the wide smiles, so keep it up!
Lucky old farts, and some young farts. Best of wishes. Keep an eye on your blood pressure and do tell if you see a noticeable decrease after your last day.
Lucky old farts, and some young farts. Best of wishes. Keep an eye on your blood pressure and do tell if you see a noticeable decrease after your last day.
June 4, 2013 at 1:20 AM
I suspect the blood pressure will go down and some of that belly fat will start to disappear if they watch what they eat and stay active. Being happy in a stress free environment can lead to a longer life. Altering your sleep habits, not having a schedule set by someone else and keeping the brain active is key. Enjoy people, enjoy. Remember, "Everyday is a Saturday" from June 13th on. These last years will go by faster than any other time in your life.
Lucky old farts, and some young farts. Best of wishes. Keep an eye on your blood pressure and do tell if you see a noticeable decrease after your last day.
June 4, 2013 at 1:20 AM
I suspect the blood pressure will go down and some of that belly fat will start to disappear if they watch what they eat and stay active. Being happy in a stress free environment can lead to a longer life. Altering your sleep habits, not having a schedule set by someone else and keeping the brain active is key. Enjoy people, enjoy. Remember, "Everyday is a Saturday" from June 13th on. These last years will go by faster than any other time in your life.
Got my first set of check out papers today and they made on big mistake. They wanted me to do an exit survey. The questions were great and I took this opportunity to tell it like it is, both good and bad. It was also my opportunity to give credit to two people I've had the please to work with in my thirty-one years at LLNL who were truely inspirtional and the only two who I would say hade "people skill". One has been at the top of his pay scale for decades and well deserving of every penny and the other has at least a decade and one half to go. If managment is SMART, they'll promote the young one to the highest level they can ASAP and make put him in a poistion of authority. He's already an asset to the group, promoting him will be an asset to ALL. They just don't come any better than these two men. These are the type of people I will miss. The rest need to take some lessons.
How many people took VSP? I have heard 400, 450, 395, and 500. I guess nobody will know the real number until June 13 at which time nobody can rescind the decision.
I don't know, I heard 449 names were on the compiled list. I hope all 449 take it an no one backs out. I heard there we some heavy hitter coming from some very important position on that list. The good news is there is going to be positions for "their friends" to fill and big auss pay raises to come again at the top end while the slim buckets let behind get zip. I think they call this SOP
I wonder if management will try to keep that a secret too...
June 4, 2013 at 5:56 PM
Yes they will because they do not want you to know what positions are open and therefore have a chance to apply. They will back fill all the good jobs with their pets, give them big pay raises for being reclassed and then fill all the low life vacancies with EBA's in hopes you'll turn it down, be demoralized and quite. It's a game you have to play or get out. My bet is the 449 names will somehow show up on this blog for all to see in a few weeks.
I wonder if management will try to keep that a secret too...
June 4, 2013 at 5:56 PM
Yes they will because they do not want you to know what positions are open and therefore have a chance to apply. They will back fill all the good jobs with their pets, give them big pay raises for being reclassed and then fill all the low life vacancies with EBA's in hopes you'll turn it down, be demoralized and quite. It's a game you have to play or get out. My bet is the 449 names will somehow show up on this blog for all to see in a few weeks.
5 pm today was the deadline, and I for one did not rescind.
I have taken the exit survey, and it focuses on educational opportunities at llnl, ability to advance, work conditions, communication flowdown. However i was VERY surprised that there was not the specific question - "why are you leaving?" I really think the questions are biased so as to give neutral answers. Even filling out the comments to each section does not give you the chance to really explain grievances.
So to management: I am leaving because LLNL is no longer a great place to work. LLNS has sucked the soul out of research, the ever changing managers and reorgs leaves employees and their SKAs as unknowns to group leaders and directors. I was once proud to work at LLNL, but now I am embarrassed.
Do I sound bitter? Yes I am. Going from UC to private in 2007 was an expensive experiment that has failed.
As other posters have said, if you don't like it, leave. Two days to go!
June 10, 2013 at 11:23 PM : First, congratulations!
I'm staying for a few more years. And I hope your message is heard. Though I think that this place is still OK, it definitely is not as good as it was in the past. So thanks for sending your message in plain text in this blog.
Less than 48 hours to go. I too took the survey , nailed their ausses to the wall, then wrote and e-mail to my group leader and went to his office so he understood where the problems lie, what the cure was, and how if it wasn't stopped the SOSDD is going to continue until they lose more good people. A few days later I returned to ask if he thought managers above him were going to be receptive to the ideas and make the changes. The answer was NO. They are going to continue down the path of self destruction and could give a damn about who gets pissed on, how hard they have to work people, don't care if they die as long as they get what they want on time. The bottom line is I have absolutely no regrets getting the hell away from that hell hole since I an not willing to die for the company. I feel really sorry for all the young and I hope they figure it out soon and leave ASAP to find an employer that has a brain.
89 comments:
You must be staying ?
I am out .
Wanted to....the numbers just wouldn't work!
I tought these comments were interesting. Shows that at least a few people at still thinking and not brain-dead
Anonymous Anonymous said...
About 450 Happy campers signed up! This is fact.
May 24, 2013 at 9:29 PM
Anonymous Anonymous said...
Anonymous Anonymous said...
About 450 Happy campers signed up! This is fact.
May 24, 2013 at 9:29 PM
Very good. I was hoping for more but at least this prevent any more lay-offs for FY-13. Now we need to look at FY-14 where LLNS is already $80M short. I suspect between the $80M , 130 people suing the lab who will al get similar payouts as did the first five will result in additional shortfalls of about $70M and then comes sequestration and congress saying hell no we're not giving you a dime to save your ass. My guess is LLNS should be about $150M short for FY-14. That should result in another 500 people out the gate by Dec 25th 2013. Afterward they can relax until the next cut only 10 months away.
May 25, 2013 at 7:08 AM
Anonymous Anonymous said...
Whooo, all you young people should be saying thank you to everyone who took the SSVSP. They just saved you jobs for FY-14.
450 X $300,000 = $135,000,000
They just paid off FY-13 debt, the laws suits to come and all of FY-14
fiscal problems. If LLNS would just keep doing this every year for the next ten years the lab will finally be downsized to fit its future budgets. The sad new is this. It means there will be no ISP and for those who were waiting for this to happen so you could draw 24 months of unemployment, you're just SOL and missed the boat. Thanks to all those who took the SSVSP. I will forever be in debt to you.
May 25, 2013 at 7:18 AM
Anonymous Anonymous said...
May 25, 2013 at 7:18 AM
You seemed to have forgotten about one more bill Parney has to pay. He owes the TCP-1 pension plan $40M from last year and $80M this year so there goes $120 million of the $135 million he just saved by the SSVSP. I guess that'll keep the TCP-1 employee contributions to 5% instead of 7%. There is some good that came out of this but on that note we're back to shortfalls and an guaranteed ISP. Is there no winning here?
May 25, 2013 at 7:53 AM
Anonymous Anonymous said...
May 25, 2013 at 7:18 AM
Also, don't forget the half year's salary owed to the 450.
May 25, 2013 at 9:15 AM
Anonymous Anonymous said...
My bet is NNSA gave them this money to LLNS and it will not come out of the operational funds and for sure LLNS $82M for profit and party money they get for doing such a shit-hot job. Otherwise they'd have never put a cap of 600 people. You'll also see top mangers get big boners checks for this too.
May 25, 2013 at 9:25 AM
Not me. I can't wait for 6-13-2013 comes so I can get away from all the morons I had to support and basically do what they were supposed to. Now the worthless, can do their own work, do without or find some other lackey they can beat on. I think I finally understand MLK's quote of," Free at last, thank God almighty, Free at last". It will be nice to finally have the chains cut. Now I can go away and let my ligatures heal.
The moron coefficient has jumped a bit at the lab when you let employees self select for separation. What the effect involuntary separation will have on the moron coefficient, It could go many ways. Considering the golden boys making the decisions in management, the moron coefficient may get worse. After all, they don't like people who are threats and who expose the incompetence and poor judgment of the golden boy network. My prediction is that the moron coefficient just gets higher and higher moving forward.
Yeah many of the remaining managers are bonified aholes (a specific definition taken from the Urban Dictionary)
Any regrets, hell no. Unfortunately, LLNS is gonna "break the backs" of who's left. Nothing will "come off the plate".
Anonymous said...
Any regrets, hell no. Unfortunately, LLNS is gonna "break the backs" of who's left. Nothing will "come off the plate".
May 25, 2013 at 2:58 PM
I'm going to agree with you on this on. My bet is they'll work them harder and faster so as to induce stress in hopes you’ll fall over on the job and they'll get to keep the retirement pay. I guess that's one way to keep TCP_1 funded. The insurance payment is not out of LLNS pocket so they don’t care. You’ll just be one less body on the payroll and in their eyes, that’s all good. You people that remain are going to have to stand up to the chumps that will be pushing you hard, give’m the international peace sign, tell’m to have a good day and feel good about yourself for telling them to go pound sand; or they’re going to literally run you in the dirt. They’ll have all type of CYA classes, preach safety first, claim they have an open door policy and imply if you feel stressed you should say so but those little talks are just the lawyers covering their ausses. They could care less if you have a stroke.
Am I feeling any regret for taking the SSVSP.. I don’t think so…..
Am I feeling any regret for taking the SSVSP.. I don’t think so…..
We'll miss your reading skills.
I regret reading the comments on this thread.
Looks like the Nazi poster has struck again.
For those who remain, harder days are ahead.
Anonymous said...
Am I feeling any regret for taking the SSVSP.. I don’t think so…..
We'll miss your reading skills.
May 25, 2013 at 4:10 PM
What makes you think just because someone takes the SSVSP or maybe retired many years ago they're going to stop reading or posting to this blog. Want to bet this will go one forever? You're going to be patrolling and correcting grammar and spelling for decades to come. So don’t worry about the content it’s the affect and truth that matters. That’s what it’s called LLNL The True Story not LLNL The Managements Story. The bottom Line. It really doesn't matter what you think and I'll assure you being pro-management isn't going to help you a bit.
Anonymous said...
Am I feeling any regret for taking the SSVSP.. I don’t think so…..
We'll miss your reading skills.
May 25, 2013 at 4:10 PM
What makes you think just because someone takes the SSVSP or maybe retired many years ago they're going to stop reading or posting to this blog. Want to bet this will go one forever? You're going to be patrolling and correcting grammar and spelling for decades to come. So don’t worry about the content it’s the affect and truth that matters. That’s what it’s called LLNL The True Story not LLNL The Managements Story. The bottom Line. It really doesn't matter what you think and I'll assure you being pro-management isn't going to help you a bit.
The True Story and the Only Story Is. 450 people gone by June 13th and 500 + more to between Oct 1st and Dec 31st 2013. Then we can start preparing for FY-14 lay-offs.
What makes you think just because someone takes the SSVSP or maybe retired many years ago they're going to stop reading or posting to this blog.
I don't. If you read the question it was directed at those who were eligible for the SSVSP but couldn't/wouldn't take it and their reasons for not doing so...but hey you go ahead and continue "contributing".
So don’t worry about the content it’s the affect and truth that matters. That’s what it’s called LLNL The True Story not LLNL The Managements Story.
...don't worry about the content...??? Blog...content....hmmmm?
Ahhh... thinking skills as poor as the reading skills...more is the pity! Did you work for DOE directly....this would explain much.
The bottom Line. It really doesn't matter what you think and I'll assure you being pro-management isn't going to help you a bit.
NO nononono.......you mean that posting here anonymously about something completely unrelated to management either pro or con isn't
going to curry favor with anyone?
I guess I'll need to rethink this whole anonymous posting thing. Maybe dashing copies of all my posts to Parney will help?
Thanks for commenting and letting the board know for whom you used to work! Stupidity of this level isn't found at the regular Human Resources Management level....it only comes from the top flight personnel working in Strategic Human Resources Management!
The Nazi is wrong. You should answer whatever question you want even if it differs from the thread lead. The nazi goes after spealling and grammer to change the subject all the time. The nazi is also wrong quite often. Atleast most posters keep the topic relevant to the lab. Ignore the nazi posts . Scooby should just delete them when he sees nazi posts anyways.
The nazi goes after spealling and grammer to change the subject all the time.
Umm....spealling.....looks like the "nazi" is right!
he nazi goes after spealling and grammer to change the subject all the time.
Oooh....grammar nazi party foul....missed the grammer screw up.
Sorry my bad...I just got so focused on "spealling" I guess I overlooked it!
ha you always go after the bait
By the way did you find out which law prohibits the IRS from applying greater scrutiny uniformly to all nonprofits applying for tax exempt status?
I think the Nazi is somehow related to Scooby (friend, current/former coworker, etc.) That's why he doesn't disallow anonymous posting.
If Scooby didn't allow anonymous commenting there would be no blog at all.
Nazi or not, nothing is going to change on this blog and I hope it doesn't. I look forward to reading any further post. At least the people who do read this blog get more facts here than anything management would ever supply.
Again.
What makes you think just because someone takes the SSVSP or maybe retired many years ago they're going to stop reading or posting to this blog. Want to bet this will go one forever? You're going to be patrolling and correcting grammar and spelling for decades to come. So don’t worry about the content it’s the affect and truth that matters. That’s what it’s called ( LLNL The True Story ) not ( LLNL The Management Story ). The bottom Line. It really doesn't matter what you think and I'll assure you being pro-management isn't going to help you a bit.
Have a nice life, keep working until you are seventy and believe you'll have $1.5M to $2.0M in your 401k or assets before you leave, as they reduce your salary and promise you nothing. Good luck.
Nazi or not, nothing is going to change on this blog and I hope it doesn't. I look forward to reading any further post. At least the people who do read this blog get more facts here than anything management would ever supply.
Again.
What makes you think just because someone takes the SSVSP or maybe retired many years ago they're going to stop reading or posting to this blog. Want to bet this will go one forever? You're going to be patrolling and correcting grammar and spelling for decades to come. So don’t worry about the content it’s the affect and truth that matters. That’s what it’s called ( LLNL The True Story ) not ( LLNL The Management Story ). The bottom Line. It really doesn't matter what you think and I'll assure you being pro-management isn't going to help you a bit.
Have a nice life, keep working until you are seventy and believe you'll have $1.5M to $2.0M in your 401k or assets before you leave, as they reduce your salary and promise you nothing. Good luck.
Good thing you posted your whiny little screed .......again
Nitwit!
May 27, 2013 at 5:58 AM
Looked in the mirror lately - loser
Now get your auss back to work in your _work for life salve labor liberal pinhead socialist democratic society_. You've got another 40 years to do at low wages and no benefits for your masters, whereby you'll probably die on the job after paying ~$400K in to SS and never get to draw it. Some illegal alien or drug user will love you for your contribution to his or her well being.
First the dummies post that the 400 VSP target is not achievable and look for the ISP coming soon. Then when the 400 target is surpassed, the dummies state everything they said before is now wrong and there will be an ISP soon. I call them dummies but they are liars who are trying to hurt their fellow employees. I think all those who took the VSP are smart (rough days ahead for the Lab) and should not let themselves be manipulated by the liars who only want to hurt their LLNL friends and colleagues. It is likely these liars may be people we have coffee with and smile at us as they try to trip us up.
Who in the hell said " First the dummies post that the 400 VSP target is _not achievable_ and look for the ISP coming soon. First of all I surprised only 425 took it. I was hoping for 1500 or more but it looks like NNSA was more on target with 600. As far as an ISP goes I think the dummies are right on the money and I think they are right about there being a man power reduction year after year. I haven't seen a damn this out here that's been wrong from the day of the transition. It's all been very good information and I'm grateful for all those dummies who let managements secrets onto the web. It's a good thing otherwise we'd all be taken by surprise and caught with out pants down, so you keep calling them dummies. I'll call them informants. And good ones to boot. Keep writing dummies, we are very receptive and are in fact listening to those who have a brain.
Wow, this thread sure turned into a pathetic, juvenile disgrace. Are you all eight years old?
One can only wish. Ay least 8 year olds grow up.
This site seems to be dominated by intensely frustrated people who desperately want to spread their own personal misery to others. It's quite sad.
I agree. We need to stick to the topics. This thread is on SSVP. Others coming down the pipeline regarding problems with ignition on NIF. New information to chew on.
The labbie nazi is really upset and lashing out at just about anyone he sees as an enemy. Just counting the times that thread posts hit a nerve (or an artery), I would guess that laser EoS is one of the topics contributing big time to lab nazi anger. And to think that the shite is still in the pipeline and hasn't even hit the fan yet...
398 to be exact took the VSSP.
Thanks for the 398 number, May 28 1:49 PM.
Where would we be able to see who took the VSSP.
398 to be exact took the VSSP.
May 28, 2013 at 1:49 PM
Damn it keeps getting worse. What happened to that 450, People chickened out. What a bunch of whooses. 405 - 600 would have been a much better #. I guess it doesn't matter, the ISP will take care of any shortfalls I'll assure you.
398 to be exact took the VSSP.
May 28, 2013 at 1:49 PM
A solid indicator that "things are good for workers at LLNS".
A solid indicator that "things are good for workers at LLNS".
May 29, 2013 at 6:44 PM
I believe you are overall correct. There is a small but very vocal minority that hates LLNS, and wishes the worst for LLNL in general, based on some past perceived grievance or other. Unfortunately, they will continue to try to poison the water for the rest of us, who are coping reasonably well and looking forward to the rest of our careers. I believe they are mostly below the ambient noise level, except on this blog, where thankfully they are completely powerless.
Anonymous said...
A solid indicator that "things are good for workers at LLNS".
May 29, 2013 at 6:44 PM
I believe you are overall correct. There is a small but very vocal minority that hates LLNS, and wishes the worst for LLNL in general, based on some past perceived grievance or other. Unfortunately, they will continue to try to poison the water for the rest of us, who are coping reasonably well and looking forward to the rest of our careers. I believe they are mostly below the ambient noise level, except on this blog, where thankfully they are completely powerless.
May 29, 2013 at 7:23 PM
Simply to true ...but stay in denial...
Anonymous said...
Anonymous said...
A solid indicator that "things are good for workers at LLNS".
May 29, 2013 at 6:44 PM
I believe you are overall correct. There is a small but very vocal minority that hates LLNS, and wishes the worst for LLNL in general, based on some past perceived grievance or other. Unfortunately, they will continue to try to poison the water for the rest of us, who are coping reasonably well and looking forward to the rest of our careers. I believe they are mostly below the ambient noise level, except on this blog, where thankfully they are completely powerless.
May 29, 2013 at 7:23 PM
Simply not true ...but stay in denial...
May 29, 2013 at 8:12 PM
NIF Laser EoS
From hell's heart, I stab at thee
No you deserve more than that.
…to the last I grapple with thee; from hell's heart I stab at thee; for hate's sake I spit my last breath at thee.
The water was already poisoned.. 16 years ago, in fact. D2 EoS
…to the last I grapple with thee; from hell's heart I stab at thee; for hate's sake I spit my last breath at thee.
Khan Star Trek II
May 29, 2013 at 9:12 PM
"…to the last I grapple with thee; from hell's heart I stab at thee; for hate's sake I spit my last breath at thee.
Khan Star Trek II
May 29, 2013 at 9:12 PM"
NIF is Kirk, so it is the good guys always win.
It's too bad they didn't bring back Kirstie Alley for Star Trek 3 and 4. Ricardo Montalban on Star Trek 2 made it worth watching.
Picard beats Kirk any day. Picard must be Z
And Kirk cheated on the Kobayashi Maru. But the difference is that we won't pat NIF on the back for using such "novel" strategies for buying time and deceiving the public.
June 13th, 2013 is going to be one of the finest days of my life. LLNL journey has ended and much better days are to come. For the first twenty-five years I never woke up in the morning asking myself, why the hell do I have to come to LLNL. As a matter a fact I use to work longer and even took my work home with me, sometimes waking up at 2:00AM realizing I had an interference fit issue and couldn’t afford for this print to go out to production without the correction. I’d get out of bed, pull up the CAD program, make the correction, and send it back to work and then return to bed. This went on for decades and I never felt I was doing any more than any good employee would do. Then comes the transition from UC to LLNS. I can honesty says that was the beginning of the end for my career and all that I had worked for since I was hired. I saw my pension go to hell, knew the firm taking over was comprised of hatchet men with a mission to seek and destroy all that was good and to be paid big bucks to do so. I knew the lab would never be the same and none of what they were to do was going to be advantageous to the employee. I read all of LANL and LLNL questions and answers during the transition saw the writing on the wall and was correct on all my assumptions and still am to this day. It doesn’t take a brain to be able to see the freight train coming down the track, it just takes common sense, paying attention to the budgets and understanding how LLNS management resolves all their shortfalls.
For the young you have a very big hammer hanging over your heads. That hammer is this. How can I afford to retire at 55, 60, 62 or every 66? I know most of you younglings aren’t thinking about retirement, but believe it or not, it’s right on your heels and closing at Mach 1. You just haven’t felt the bowel wave yet. If you young people don’t have a plan and start fighting for higher wages, a defined pension program and full medical upon retirement, the impact is going to hurt big time and there will be no way for you to recover. Do yourselves a favor, come together as a fighting force and put the current - “work for life slave labor workforce” - they cast put upon you to rest or you’re going to get the bad end of the stick in the end.
All the people who died in all the wars since WW 1 I assure you did not die thinking you people we're going to allow all their lives to be in vein. They fought and died for a cause that was in total opposition to the one you have allowed the socialist of this world bring upon you. Put an end to this now, or you’ll get what you have allowed and not only you will suffer but so will your sons, daughters, grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Look back to the Soviet Union and China work force to see your future if you do nothing
I don't get it.
If you took TCP-1 (as you probably should have, with 25 years in UCRP), there has been essentially no change in your retirement pension. If you took TCP-2 and aren't doing well, who's fault is that?
You argue colorfully about all the bad alternatives to capitalism, and then ask that the company take care of you by providing a defined benefit program. Seems contradictory to me.
For better or worse, the country (not just LLNS) has turned retirement over to the workers, because that seems to be what we asked for.
And if you don't like your wages - LEAVE! It's not only an option, it's a duty. You're in business, man! Why would you choose to work under conditions that are less advatageous than you could get elsewhere?
With the job market around the Bay Area, there is NO excuse for thinking of yourself as "work for life slave labor force", except laziness and entitlement.
These days people live too long and are spoiled. That is why we have such pension heartburn.
The number of takers is irrelevant. What matters is the budget for the lab and what the lab is doing to strengthen its position for more stable future funding. The budget and revenue drives how many employees the lab can sustain and how many need to go out the door. I argue that the lab has made reckless and irreversible decisions by doubling down on NIF and reducing its long term viability. It's fine for those expected to be kept high and dry until the end (I.e.nif programs.) but look at the big picture. LLNS has horrible long term prospects. 1.5B from venture capitalists? Gimme a break. It's an expensive money pit. And they haven't done anything to merit getting more money (I.e., meeting critical ignition milestones, being a leader in EoS, etc. etc.). The lab just makes it easy for Feinstein and others to "just say no."
Regarding the comment by Anonymous on May 30, 2013 at 12:46 PM: "If you took TCP-1 (as you probably should have, with 25 years in UCRP), there has been essentially no change in your retirement pension."
I also had 20+ years with UCRP at transition, and there was no way I was transferring my hard-earned pension to an unknown start-up company, aka LLNS. TCP-1 is not the same as UCRP - one big difference is that there is no lump sum retirement payout available with TCP-1. And folks in TCP2 are not paying a 5% penalty to keep the UC pension funded.
one last item: Almost every use of mute (unable to speak) on this blog should be MOOT (of little or no practical value or meaning). Sorry to lecture, but had to clarify.
June 13 will see 400+ employees with shit-eating grins walking out the gates. Only 2 weeks to go to FREEDOM!!!
So what's your complaint? You're blaming LLNS because you decided to stay with UCRS, and that caused "your pension to go to hell"?
Take responsibility for your own actions.
Under the same circumstances, I took TCP-1, and it looks good to me (and I've studied it enough to know).
So how exactly, did your pension "go to hell"? You opted out of TCP-1 because you succumbed to fear (like that mongered by many of the posters on this blog). If that lead to your pension "going to hell" how can you then claim that you have been "correct on all my assumptions and still am to this day." On the contrary, I would say that you were pretty much dead wrong on the most important decision.
You can continue to predict the absolute worst in every case, and make decisions that way. Just don't blame everything else for your bad furtune when you do.
But I agree with you about "moot". I continue to wish that all those mute points really were.
May 31, 2013 at 9:28 AM
I'm going to the ROGLMAO when TCP-1 goes to PBGC It's now how it when.
For further comment: For those TCP-1 folks who took the buy out I would guess that most are retiring earlier than expected. Not considering their contribution to the fund, would the TCP-1 pension now have fewer liabilities? And should be in better financial shape?
As the May 30, 2013 at 10:46 PM commenter, I was certainly not complaining of my TCP2 choice.
I was stating that with 20+ years the obvious choice was not LLNS TCP1. I'm happy with my TCP2 choice, and my 401, 403B, and 457 are all doing well enough for me to take the SSVSP.
Oh my - only 8 working days to go!
:)
Oh my - only 8 working days to go!
:)
May 31, 2013 at 6:58 PM
Be honest - you mean 8 days not working! Good luck!
That 50 page checkout list will keep you occupied for that full duration.
Anonymous said...
That 50 page checkout list will keep you occupied for that full duration.
June 1, 2013 at 4:04 AM
That will be nice starting I hope June 3rd. It will be nice to go from location to location with a smile from ear-to-ear and feel FREE AT LAST knowing the fun for all those who are left has only started and will only get worse. My bet is all those who did not take the SSVSP but will close are going to have a very long, hard three to five years and I do mean long and hard. They need to take a picture of themselves now and then another one on the day the retire and look at the aging that'll take place. It will be at warp factory 10.
Took TCP1 with over 25 years of service and have no regrets at all since it will allow me to retire sooner. Any TCP1's taking SSVSP will help (less to pay out in the long run). It seems those who think or feel it should go to PBGC are only hoping so to help them feel better about their decision. They're the same posters who desperately want LLNS to fail (it's what they live for, sadly). I agree that fear tainted most decisions to go with TCP2. But unlike most TCP2 posts, I would like to see BOTH plans succeed. Are there any TCP2'ers out there who feel the same?? Crickets chirping...
The checkout is not so bad. It's the time spent packing that will be the most work.
The checkout is not so bad. It's the time spent packing that will be the most work.
June 1, 2013 at 5:31 PM
Leave it all behind. From experience, 90% of what you think you need to take with you will be irrelevant to your life 6 months from now, if you do retirement right.
Anonymous Anonymous said...
The checkout is not so bad. It's the time spent packing that will be the most work.
June 1, 2013 at 5:31 PM
I started cleaning my office a weeks ago and tool the one thing I valued the most home with me Friday. A picture of my wife and myself at Yosemite. The rest is for salvage since they have no intension of replacing me but only to work the remainder, a lot harder. I them made arrangements to see my (one and only) female friend, who has at least ten years to go, wishing her the best in life and hoping someday I'll see her again in public after I separate from LLNL, to see how she's doing. I will not miss the place at all but I will miss some of the people who had their sheet in one sock. The ones that were jerks, will always be jerks and a pain in the auss for all those that remain I sure.
As the May 30, 2013 at 10:46 PM commenter who is TCP2, I do NOT wish for TCP1 to fail. I have many friends who will continue to work at LLNS, and I would not wish them failure in their future retirements. They will have a hard enough time as they need to pick up the slack from their coworkers who are walking out the door.
I don't want to rub in my impending exit, but it is really hard to contain my happiness at work, and I'm probably annoying those who will remain in the salt mines. Sorry. :)
The checkout is not so bad. It's the time spent packing that will be the most work.
I've been slowing cleaning out my office for the last couple of years. However, I've been doing this in a way to keep others from easily noticing. All of my filing cabinets were emptied a year ago but I've kept stuff on my desks/tables to make my office look cluttered. I have several piles of junk papers that I don't need to sort through again so I can easily throw them out. I've removed about 2/3 of the books and other material from my bookcases, although I've kept some things on each shelf so it doesn't look empty.
I've been planning for "June 13" for quite some time. Obviously, I didn't know the exact date but the writing on the wall was easy to recognize.
I'll miss many of my colleagues, both inside and outside the Lab. This includes many of the sponsors who have funded my work. What I won't miss is the endless supply of management crap. I wouldn't say it is specifically intentional, but in practice Laboratory management at all levels does everything it can to inhibit real work from getting done.
To June 2, 2013 at 12:28 PM:
Brilliant strategy! I wish I'd thought of that.
How many people were disapproved for the SSVSP? I'm hearing good news but never really heard a final number. I was approved and checked off on the waiver late this afternoon. Now comes the fun part, checking out. Sure wish we could get started.
All you folks that took the VSP have my best wishes and congratulations. I'm truly glad that you were all able to get a good deal. Personally, I enjoy seeing the wide smiles, so keep it up!
Lucky old farts, and some young farts. Best of wishes. Keep an eye on your blood pressure and do tell if you see a noticeable decrease after your last day.
Lucky old farts, and some young farts. Best of wishes. Keep an eye on your blood pressure and do tell if you see a noticeable decrease after your last day.
June 4, 2013 at 1:20 AM
I suspect the blood pressure will go down and some of that belly fat will start to disappear if they watch what they eat and stay active. Being happy in a stress free environment can lead to a longer life. Altering your sleep habits, not having a schedule set by someone else and keeping the brain active is key. Enjoy people, enjoy. Remember, "Everyday is a Saturday" from June 13th on. These last years will go by faster than any other time in your life.
Lucky old farts, and some young farts. Best of wishes. Keep an eye on your blood pressure and do tell if you see a noticeable decrease after your last day.
June 4, 2013 at 1:20 AM
I suspect the blood pressure will go down and some of that belly fat will start to disappear if they watch what they eat and stay active. Being happy in a stress free environment can lead to a longer life. Altering your sleep habits, not having a schedule set by someone else and keeping the brain active is key. Enjoy people, enjoy. Remember, "Everyday is a Saturday" from June 13th on. These last years will go by faster than any other time in your life.
Got my first set of check out papers today and they made on big mistake. They wanted me to do an exit survey. The questions were great and I took this opportunity to tell it like it is, both good and bad. It was also my opportunity to give credit to two people I've had the please to work with in my thirty-one years at LLNL who were truely inspirtional and the only two who I would say hade "people skill". One has been at the top of his pay scale for decades and well deserving of every penny and the other has at least a decade and one half to go. If managment is SMART, they'll promote the young one to the highest level they can ASAP and make put him in a poistion of authority. He's already an asset to the group, promoting him will be an asset to ALL. They just don't come any better than these two men. These are the type of people I will miss. The rest need to take some lessons.
Anonymous said...
398 to be exact took the VSSP.
May 28, 2013 at 1:49 PM
I heard it was more like 500 this morning. Anyone have a real #?
How many people took VSP? I have heard 400, 450, 395, and 500. I guess nobody will know the real number until June 13 at which time nobody can rescind the decision.
June 4, 2013 at 1:38 PM
I don't know, I heard 449 names were on the compiled list. I hope all 449 take it an no one backs out. I heard there we some heavy hitter coming from some very important position on that list. The good news is there is going to be positions for "their friends" to fill and big auss pay raises to come again at the top end while the slim buckets let behind get zip. I think they call this SOP
Last day to rescind is June 10 at 5 pm. So the true number should be available June 11. I wonder if management will try to keep that a secret too...
If anybody can leave, snagging the VSP cash, and then doesn't do it, they are masochists.
I wonder if management will try to keep that a secret too...
June 4, 2013 at 5:56 PM
Yes they will because they do not want you to know what positions are open and therefore have a chance to apply. They will back fill all the good jobs with their pets, give them big pay raises for being reclassed and then fill all the low life vacancies with EBA's in hopes you'll turn it down, be demoralized and quite. It's a game you have to play or get out. My bet is the 449 names will somehow show up on this blog for all to see in a few weeks.
I wonder if management will try to keep that a secret too...
June 4, 2013 at 5:56 PM
Yes they will because they do not want you to know what positions are open and therefore have a chance to apply. They will back fill all the good jobs with their pets, give them big pay raises for being reclassed and then fill all the low life vacancies with EBA's in hopes you'll turn it down, be demoralized and quite. It's a game you have to play or get out. My bet is the 449 names will somehow show up on this blog for all to see in a few weeks.
Is the number 449 final? Any reliable source?
So nobody can back out from their decision of taking VSP now as of 4 pm, June 10. Anyone knows the final number?
42
5 pm today was the deadline, and I for one did not rescind.
I have taken the exit survey, and it focuses on educational opportunities at llnl, ability to advance, work conditions, communication flowdown. However i was VERY surprised that there was not the specific question - "why are you leaving?" I really think the questions are biased so as to give neutral answers. Even filling out the comments to each section does not give you the chance to really explain grievances.
So to management: I am leaving because LLNL is no longer a great place to work. LLNS has sucked the soul out of research, the ever changing managers and reorgs leaves employees and their SKAs as unknowns to group leaders and directors. I was once proud to work at LLNL, but now I am embarrassed.
Do I sound bitter? Yes I am. Going from UC to private in 2007 was an expensive experiment that has failed.
As other posters have said, if you don't like it, leave.
Two days to go!
June 10, 2013 at 11:23 PM : First, congratulations!
I'm staying for a few more years. And I hope your message is heard. Though I think that this place is still OK, it definitely is not as good as it was in the past. So thanks for sending your message in plain text in this blog.
And good luck in retirement.
June 11, 2013 at 12:32 PM
Less than 48 hours to go. I too took the survey , nailed their ausses to the wall, then wrote and e-mail to my group leader and went to his office so he understood where the problems lie, what the cure was, and how if it wasn't stopped the SOSDD is going to continue until they lose more good people. A few days later I returned to ask if he thought managers above him were going to be receptive to the ideas and make the changes. The answer was NO. They are going to continue down the path of self destruction and could give a damn about who gets pissed on, how hard they have to work people, don't care if they die as long as they get what they want on time. The bottom line is I have absolutely no regrets getting the hell away from that hell hole since I an not willing to die for the company. I feel really sorry for all the young and I hope they figure it out soon and leave ASAP to find an employer that has a brain.
ULM has nothing but contempt for an intelligent employee of integrity. It borders on the type of hysterical hatred Hitler had for certain people.
Disappointing News -- Some dingbats backed out. Last count only 399 people took the SSVSP. How disappointing. 15 hours to go.
Bittersweet, packing up my office today. I am sad to be leaving my friends, happy to be leaving the environment.
About 50 backed out so they could stay in the concentration camp? They are not thinking straight.
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