Cleanup contractors across the Department of Energy complex have begun providing insight into the impacts of the sequestration funding cuts on their workforces. At Hanford, at least 1,900 workers are set to experience either furloughs or layoffs. Funding for work overseen by the Department of Energy’s Richland Operations Office is set to go down by approximately $78 million, which is set to result in furloughs for approximately 1,700 contractor employees and 200 contractor worker layoffs, according to a message CH2M Hill Plateau Remediation Co. President and CEO John Fulton sent to employees yesterday. “We should receive a final funding reduction amount to the Plateau Remediation Contract this week and will coordinate with DOE on associated work scope adjustments that may need to occur,” Fulton said. “We anticipate exempt and non-exempt employees will need to take 4-5 weeks of PTB or PTX to accommodate furloughs between April 1 and September 30. We are working with preselected subcontractors to coordinate these efforts. For our represented employees, we will work with the other Hanford Contractors and HAMTC to understand the impacts of layoffs and any site-wide bump-and-roll that may be necessary.” He added, “Our goal will be to minimize impacts as much as possible to employees and cleanup work.”
At the Savannah River Site, managing contractor Savannah River Nuclear Solutions notified employees yesterday that many will be on a shortened workweek starting next month, with full furloughs in some cases. Starting April 1, about 2,000 of the 4,600 total employees for Fluor-led SRNS will start a 32-hour week schedule, with additional full furloughs for workers “in select areas,” according to a message SRNS President Dwayne Wilson sent to employees. “Due to the uncertain and potential fluctuating amount of funding which may be available to SRNS, further furloughs may be necessary. We recognize the difficult financial implications of any furlough and we will make every effort to keep you informed,” Wilson said. The contractor plans to announce additional information this week, and next week notify employees who will be furloughed or placed on the modified workweek.