NASA JPL Internal Email: 3X Workforce Reduction

Date: Wed, 05 Oct 2005 13:26:24 -0700
From: John C Beckman John.C.Beckman@jpl.nasa.gov
Subject: 3X Workforce Reduction
To: “Engineering And Science (JPL Employees Only)”

To: 3x Employees

On September 7, 2005 Dr. Elachi informed us that the entire NASA budget is under strain and that NASA’s action to rebalance the mix of space science missions has had an impact on missions at JPL. Based upon this information we expected a 5-8% reduction in the Laboratory’s budget for FY 06 and implemented a Lab wide employment freeze in our attempt to mitigate lay offs. While the freeze on outside hiring is still in place today, we have not satisfactorily relieved budget pressures in the Engineering and Science Directorate to address the financial limitations we are facing. The short fall of the budget for FY 06 requires that we take immediate action now. Accordingly, we have no choice but to reduce our work force by implementing a lay off.

3x Division Managers were given instructions to reduce work force by approximately 5%. Typically, this will require each Section to reduce work force by 5%. Management is currently in the process of notifying individuals selected for lay off and we anticipate this process should be largely completed by Monday, October 17, 2005.

In closing, I am saddened to share this news with you. We want to support our work force and help all who are impacted by the lay off. Human Resources offers personal counseling through the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and there will be outplacement counselors to help laid off employees during their transition. The Employee Relations Section can be contacted for further information.

While we must take action now to reduce our work force I am confident that our organization will remain strong and continue to be a key contributor to the Laboratory’s success.

John Beckman
Director for Engineering and Science
Jet Propulsion Laboratory
john.c.beckman@jpl.nasa.gov