NASA JPL Internal Memo: Elachi to discuss Lab outlook at all-hands meeting

Editor’s note: From JPL’s “Daily Planet” website:

Elachi to discuss Lab outlook at all-hands meeting (posted October 06, 2005)

JPL Director Dr. Charles Elachi will hold an all-hands meeting Monday, Oct. 10, at 11 a.m. in von Karman Auditorium. The meeting will be carried live on JPL television and webstreamed on the Daily Planet.

Elachi will provide an assessment of our ongoing and future programs, status of the FY06 budget, current workforce reductions and planned actions resulting from the employee survey undertaken earlier this year. In response to budget pressures, workforce reductions are currently being carried out — including layoffs in JPL’s largest organization, the Engineering and Science Directorate, as discussed in an Oct. 5 memo by John Beckman [see below].

Elachi will also hold a meeting with interested technologists on Tuesday, Oct. 11, at 8:30 a.m. in von Karman. That meeting is intended to offer a dialogue on actions needed to support JPL’s technology activities and broaden its potential funding sponsors in light of pressure on the NASA budget.

October 5, 2005

3X Workforce Reduction

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 layoffs. 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 shortfall 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 layoff.

3x Division Managers were given instructions to reduce workforce by approximately 5%. Typically, this will require each Section to reduce workforce by 5%. Management is currently in the process of notifying individuals selected for layoff 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 workforce and help all who are impacted by the layoff. Human Resources offers personal counseling through the Employee Assistance Program 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 workforce 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