by Mindy Aguon

Guam - NAVFAC Marianas admits that a reduction in staff may be necessary as they are currently experiencing a reduction in workload and funding. Such cuts could mean a loss of a job for some NAVFAC Marianas employees. The command is currently reshaping its workforce and KUAM News has confirmed that this could ultimately lead to layoffs of staff.

But we should note that no final decisions have been made yet as officials are merely in the contingency planning phase. How many people will be affected is unknown at this time. That's because, according to NAVFAC Marianas public affairs officer Catherine Cruz Norton, the specific number won't be available until the results of voluntary separations are first determined.

At this point, Norton says, "The command is reshaping its existing organization based on projected budgets...prudently looking at a number of different management strategies and tools." Those tools include a reduction in workforce, potential Voluntary Early Retirement Authority, Voluntary Separation Incentive Payments actions, the early return of some of the stateside hires at NAVFAC Marianas and the use of intern mobility agreements, all to meet workforce shaping goals.

NAVFAC is also looking at the possibility of transferring some employees. Norton says they are coordinating closely within the NAVFAC enterprise to include the Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard, Naval Sea Systems Command, and the Fleet Logistics Center, to identify potential available positions. They are also looking to identify opportunities for interns by arranging meetings with recruiters for jobs.

NAVFAC Marianas isn't saying what specific jobs could be impacted by the reduction in force, but they say they're committed to helping employees during this challenging time. In fact the command held an all hands meeting today and will hold "brown bag" question and answer sessions with the human resources office on Monday. Norton adds a one-stop communications web page was set up on the NAVFAC Intranet Portal for employees to go for information regarding workforce shaping actions.

NAVFAC Marianas is still working on responding to our other inquiries about the reorganization about when the reduction in force would occur, where civilians may be moved to and if this is just the beginning in other plans to reduce the current workforce there.

Again, we should stress that NAVFAC says it is merely planning for contingencies due to the reduction in workload and funding. No official decisions have been made yet with regard to layoffs and voluntary retirements and separations, but know we'll keep you posted with any new developments.