I just received my annual TCP-1 letter from LLNS and a summary of the LLNS Pension Plan. Looked in pretty good shape in 2013. About 35% overfunded (funding target attainment percentage = 134.92%). This was a decrease from 2012 where it was 51% overfunded (funding target attainment percentage = 151.59%). They did note that the 2012 change in the law on how liabilities are calculated using interest rates improved the plan's position. Without the change the funding target attainment percentages would have been 118% (2012) and 105% (2013). 2013 assets = $2,057,866,902 2013 liabilities = $1,525,162,784 vs 2012 assets = $1,844,924,947 2012 liabilities = $1,217,043,150 It was also noted that a slightly different calculation method ("fair market value") designed to show a clearer picture of the plan' status as December 31, 2013 had; Assets = $2,403,098,433 Liabilities = $2,068,984,256 Funding ratio = 116.15% Its a closed plan with 3,781 participants. Of that number, 3,151 wer...
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III.2.3 Order of Layoff
The order of layoff for career employees in the same classification (defined as the four digits of the title code) within a unit is in inverse order of Lawrence Livermore National Security, LLC seniority except that the department head may retain employees irrespective of seniority who possess special skills, knowledge, or abilities that are not possessed by other employees in the same classification with greater seniority, and that are necessary to perform the ongoing function of the department. All such exceptions are documented and reviewed by the Human Resources Manager.
This appears to be a general approval to use SKAs as the determining factor, not seniority. With this type of exception, management's ability to keep whomever they desire is limited only by their writing ability and imagination.
I think it makes sense to have that sort of flexibility. Most everyone on this blog claim they work at the Lab out of a sense of patriotism. I would argue the patriotic thing to do is step out of the way of the guy who has special skills and put aside your selfish, unpatriotic desire to keep your job. Just keep telling yourself "It's for the good of the country".