http://www.contracostatimes.com/ci_7911207?nclick_check=1
Temporary workers, those hired through contractors most affected; 'core scientists' should continue their jobs
By Eric Kurhi STAFF WRITER
Article Launched: 01/08/2008 03:01:05 AM PST
As a first step to overcome a $300 million budget shortfall, the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory announced Monday it will lay off 500 workers this month.
In November, lab director George Miller told employees to expect the layoffs, which will affect temporary workers and those hired through contractors.
"The positions are largely administrative," lab spokeswoman Lynda Seaver said Monday.
"It won't affect our core scientists."
She said that the temporary, or "flex-term" employees were notified Monday, while contracted workers will receive notice Jan. 16. They will receive 30 days' severance pay.
The shortfall is caused by a number of factors, a major one being the Department of Energy budget that Congress passed as part of a spending package in December.
It allocates $1.15 billion to the lab -- $100 million less than last year.
The lab's current bill for contracts is $130 million more than last year. That, plus inflation and a low attrition rate, created the bulk of the deficit.
Seaver said more layoffs may be required to get the lab budget out of the red, but that would be evaluated later.
"What's going to happen is after we go through this (series of layoffs), the lab director will reassess where we are," she said.
"We'll probably know more at the end of the month."
There was no figure immediately available regarding how much would be saved through this month's layoffs.
Lab director Miller praised and thanked the employees in a statement issued Monday.
"These changes, while particularly difficult, are part of the steps we are taking to position the laboratory for the future and ensure our continuing ability to contribute to the solution of the country's and the world's most challenging problems," read the statement, which added that he will hold a meeting with employees Jan. 17 to discuss his vision and possible future strategies.
Jim Wolford, who has worked as a computer scientist at the lab for 27 years, said that the transition of lab management from the University of California to a private partnership with the university is partially responsible for the shortfall.
"I think it's clear that conditions we're facing of layoffs comes in part as a result of restructuring decisions that management made," he said.
It was predicted that adding private industry to the management mix would initially make costs rise but that the lab would be more efficient in the long run.
But the predictions fell short of reality, leaving workers worried about what will come next, especially when they aren't offered the same job protections they enjoyed under UC management.
Wolford said it's hard to find work in specialized fields such as the ones practiced at the lab.
"A lot of jobs here are very unique," he said.
"People have accepted positions that are very esoteric ... They might have thought twice about taking the job if they thought they were vulnerable to layoffs.
" Eric Kurhi can be reached at 925-847-2184 or ekurhi@bayareanewsgroup.com.
8 comments:
Does this look like administrative positions to you?
Plumbers, maintenance mechanics, ac mechanics, welders, carpenters, and electricians largely administrative ????? That's who went out the gate today. The backbone of LLNL and more blue collar to come as your usefulness expires.
"Remember this layoff is about restructuring for the complex plan."
No this lay off to saving people's jobs like Seavers and 100's of more administrators that LLNL has. Could POGO please call for a congressional investigation, please.
"It won't affect our core scientists."
Of course not. They are "special".
Los Alamos Monitor
By ROGER SNODGRASS, Monitor Editor
The director of Los Alamos National Laboratory told employees today that there would be no need for involuntary staff layoffs.
With 430 eligible voluntary departures, along with 140 employees who have departed since Sept. 17 through natural attrition, the total of 570 is above the minimum goal of 500 and below the higher target of 750, Director Michael Anastasio said at an all-employee meeting Tuesday,
“However, given the 570 we have achieved, coupled with an assessment of the skill-mix consequences and the budget picture, I have decided that it is best for the Laboratory not to proceed with an Involuntary Separation Plan at this time,” Anastasio wrote in a follow-up memo that summarized his discussion.
There will be a 10 percent reduction, or about 50 positions, from the so-called flexible workforce. The flexible workforce includes staff augmentation, generally short-term subcontractors and limited term staff, some of whom would not be renewed when their contracts expire.
Anastasio was upbeat about LANL’s budget prospects for this year under the recently signed consolidated appropriation bill.
“Overall this is very good news for the laboratory, providing us with a relatively flat budget compared with last year,” he wrote. “However, future budget uncertainty mandates that we successfully take advantage of opportunities for program growth and that we carefully manage hiring.”
Were these the same group of employees who voted for union representation?
Speaking of union representation, last I knew spse had the ability to email the entire lab. It would be great if everyone knew about this blog, and the LANL blog. Anyone want to contact spse and see if they would be willing to get the word out?
Have you noticed that the RIF poll shows more than 50% of those RIFed are career employees between 41 and 60. I thought this RIF affects Flex employees?
There may be a secret RIF and an official RIF.
I ask that Georgio address that next week!
It allocates $1.15 billion to the lab — $100 million less than last year. (_And the lab's current bill for contracts is $130 million more than last year._)
That, plus inflation and a low attrition rate, created the bulk of the deficit.
Seaver said (_more layoffs may be required_) to get the lab budget out of the red, but that would be evaluated (_after this first round-).
"Have you noticed that the RIF poll shows more than 50% of those RIFed are career employees between 41 and 60. I thought this RIF affects Flex employees?"
Yeah, the poll is bogus.
Nah, the poll is none participatory and a sign of a very weak work force at LLNL. "Bend over Rover and let Jimmy take over" should the motto in fine print on the sign at the front gate directly under the large LLNL text.
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