ANNISTON ARMY DEPOT, Ala. -- Depot personnel, like others within the Department of Defense, received good news Aug. 6. That's the date Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel announced the end of furlough for most civilian employees.
With the most recent reduction, furlough days were condensed from 11 to six (88 hours to 48 hours) and the depot reverted back to its normal 5-4-9 work schedule on August 11.
ANAD's two major tenants will return to their normal operating hours beginning Aug. 19. The Anniston Munitions Center will move back to working four 10-hour days, Monday through Thursday, and DLA Distribution Anniston will return to a 5-4-9 work schedule.
The last date of furlough for most employees will be tomorrow, Aug. 16.
"While we are glad the furlough was reduced by five days, it has placed a financial strain on many employees," said Col. Brent Bolander, depot commander. "Even as they went through this trying time, they never lost sight of our mission and the contributions they make to national security. I have never seen a more patriotic and dedicated workforce."
Dedication and commitment are just two of the characteristics of the depot's highly skilled workforce. They've been asked to work long hours before to meet requirements, but never less hours.
"During the furlough period, there were employees who wanted to continue working, regardless of the hours they were being paid for," said Michael Burke, deputy to the commander. "They were focused on getting the job done and this speaks volumes about the caliber of the workforce."
The depot takes pride in meeting production schedules, but the reduction in hours resulted in a delay in getting the products to the customers. Thus, a possible delay in completing a large number of funded programs.
"Based on the early end to the furlough, we should be able to recoup some of the delayed production we've experienced during the coming weeks," said Bolander. "We also anticipate working overtime, due to production schedules we have between now and the end of the fiscal year."
The threat of sequestration remains a possibility for FY14, but the depot has a lot of work scheduled for this period.
"This is very serious and funding is the key," said Burke. "We have a significant amount of work planned for FY14 but we have to remain flexible. There are lots of questions that remain unanswered."
As additional information is received by the leadership, they will continue to inform the workforce via management, the Morning Show, TRACKS and town-hall meetings.
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