288 HANFORD WORKERS TO GET LAYOFF NOTICES THIS WEEK

Close to 288 Hanford workers will receive layoff notices this week, with most receiving the bad news already on Monday. The layoffs were expected, with final or updated numbers announced Monday. Layoff notices this week are being handed out to 157 workers at CH2M Hill Plateau Remediation Co., up to 120 employees of Bechtel National and its subcontractor URS, and 11 Mission Support Alliance employees. In addition, Washington Closure Hanford is continuing its gradual ramp down of employment toward the end of its contract in 2015. It laid off fewer employees expected in the fiscal year that ends Sept. 30, but plans to cut 385 positions in fiscal 2013. The last day of work for the affected CH2M Hill and Mission Support Alliance workers is Sept. 27. Bechtel and URS workers are being given 45 days notice this week.