NS&D Monitor
4/11/2015
Incoming Y-12/Pantex contractor Consolidated Nuclear Security is continuing the earlier stages of its transition at the two nuclear weapons sites, gradually introducing the company’s philosophies, implementation plans and management team leaders. Earlier this week, CNS emphasized safety and posted its first "safety message" on its transition web site. It was called, "Respect the Hazard." The new contractor said environment, safety and health are core values of the contractor team. "We believe that zero injuries, zero exposures, and zero releases are achievable goals," the company stated.
CNS has posted information on jobs and benefits, although nothing to satisfy the wants and curiosities of workers still worried about their employment future in a cost-cutting environment. As for benefits, CNS noted: "Incumbent Pantex and Y-12 employees will remain on their current benefits packages as they transition to CNS. However, new benefits packages for all employees will be implemented following transition. We anticipate the NNSA approval of the Benefits Plan by mid-May. Additional information will be provided as soon as it is available."
CNS Outlines New Deliverables
The high-level staffing plan is reportedly in the hands of NNSA at this point, and CNS said it would have details on the approved staffing plan by mid-April, "along with the selection process we will use (in making job offers), and will communicate those details as soon as possible." The contractor continues to post frequently asked questions, with responses.
As part of its transition objectives, CNS also outlined its primary objectives, which it said are to establish the CNS organization to assure the continuity of payroll and benefits for employees, and assure that both sites can continue to carry out their missions with minimal disruption, despite the contractor transition. The new contractor has also added to its list of scheduled "contract deliverables." Among the new deliverables: merger transformation plan (May 1); conflict of interest compliance plan (May 1); extend offers to employees (June 2); interface management plan (May 31); Uranium Processing Facility project management plan (May 31); human resources plan (July 1); and community commitment plan (June 30).
Employee Meetings Scheduled
A series of employee meetings are scheduled for Y-12 next week, with workers registering for the April 15-16 sessions the in New Hope Center (which seats approximately 500). Meetings at Pantex will occur April 22 at the Amarillo Civic Center. There will be a video available for employees unable to attend one of the meetings, but apparently employees will have to view it on their own time not while at work. "At these meetings we will provide details on the staffing process and our progress on benefits planning, introduce key members of the CNS leadership team; discuss the CNS organization; and elaborate on the role of each of the sites within CNS," CNS President Jim Haynes said in a message to employees. He said the employee meetings would be followed by a number of Town Hall sessions for a "broader set of interactions."
