DOE RELEASES SAVANNAH RIVER WORKFORCE RESTRUCTURING PLAN

The Department of Energy released a draft Workforce Restructuring Plan for the Savannah River Site yesterday afternoon that outlines the processes for a potential reductions but does not lay out any specific proposed workforce changes. DOE released the plan yesterday with no explanation of its timing or any planned near-term workforce changes. “Once approved, this Plan will establish the policy of the Department for responding to the changing missions and the changing contractor structure at the Savannah River Site for fiscal year 2013 and beyond,” the draft plan states.The draft plan is open for a public comment period until July 22.

Notably, Savannah River employees were hard hit by recent budget impacts, which led to part-time furloughs for thousands of contractor workers last spring and widespread concern from employees and area officials. Savannah River contractors have also undertaken a number of workforce reductions in recent years. According to the draft, the plan is required if DOE determines that a change in the workforce is necessary at a site. “The objectives of such a plan are to minimize involuntary separations, reduce the social and economic impact of restructuring on individuals who are involuntarily separated, and mitigate the detrimental effects of restructuring on the surrounding communities,” it states.