ANNISTON ARMY DEPOT, Ala. -- With the completion of the war in Iraq and the declining need for the repair of its military equipment, Anniston Army Depot announced the need to begin aligning its workforce with the declining workload.
In a news release, dated Jan 18, 2012, the depot stated it "is not expecting to renew its temporary and term workforce appointments scheduled to expire in fiscal year 2012. Individuals affected will be released based on workload requirements. The first release of temporary and term employees will not occur earlier than March 30, 2012."
Over the next seven months, approximately 480 employees with not-to-exceed dates ranging from March 30 through September 30 will be released as their appointments expire.
"This decision is based solely on workload," said Depot Commander Col. Timothy Sullivan. "It is a difficult time in our history, but the decision to rightsize the workforce is necessary in order to strengthen the installation for the long-term."
During the last 18 months, the depot has taken several steps to mitigate the reductions:
• Implemented a temporary hiring freeze in October 2010
• Executed Voluntary Early Retirement Authority (VERA)/Voluntary
• Separation Incentive Payment (VSIP) opportunities (285 employees retired; next window opens May 2012)
• Established a Transition Assistance Office, consisting of representatives from the Calhoun County Chamber of Commerce, the Civilian Personnel Advisory Center, and the Depot's Training Office to assist displaced workers.
• Hosted a Job Fair with federal agencies and private sector businesses (400 employees attended)
• Conversion of eligible veterans (50 veterans converted to excepted appointments)
Sullivan also said the decision was made after a long and careful review of options, realizing that the result would affect many valuable employees.
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