ANNISTON ARMY DEPOT, Ala. -- With the completion of the war in Iraq, the need for military equipment repair at Anniston Army Depot is declining.
Faced with decreasing workload requirements, the depot expects to release its temporary and term workforce as their scheduled appointments expire in fiscal year 2012.
Individuals affected may be released, based on workload requirements, beginning March 30.
"Our workload is declining because of the end of operations in Iraq and projected reductions of troops in Afghanistan," said depot Commander Col. Timothy Sullivan.
In anticipation of this peacetime reduction in workload, the depot has taken steps throughout the last 15 months to "right size" its workforce, aligning employee numbers to both the present and the projected workload.
In October 2010, a temporary hiring freeze was implemented. Since that time, all hiring actions required command level approval.
There have also been two opportunities for employees to retire using the Voluntary Early Retirement Authority (VERA)/Voluntary Separation Incentive Payment (VSIP) program. This resulted in 288 retirements in FY11 and 12.
The depot is also partnering with the Calhoun County Chamber of Commerce to assist employees looking for employment opportunities. A Transition Assistance Office has been established on the installation and staffed with representatives from the Chamber, the Civilian Personnel Advisory Center and the depot's Training Office.
Sullivan said depot management will do everything they can to make this a smooth transition.
"I wish the news was better, but there is no easy way to deliver this type of information," he said.
Related Links:
TV 24 coverage of workforce reduction - Jan. 18
Social Sharing