by Mindy Aguon

Guam - Approximately 80 employees who have been working for Chugach Federal Solutions and working at the Navy's Childcare and Recreational Facilities could be jobless come October 1. Due to budget cuts, the Navy intends to stop outsourcing its morale, welfare and recreational services currently being provided through a contract with Chugach Federal Solutions.

Less than two weeks ago, approximately 80 workers employed by Chugach Federal Solutions received a letter from Naval Base Guam MWR director Eric Nikkel informing them that beginning in October, Naval Base Guam will begin providing those services. Nikkel wrote that an analysis that was recently conducted showed that it would be more efficient for NBG to provide the services.

Many of those affected include those who care for military dependants at the Child Care Development Centers or. KUAM News spoke with some of the child care workers who declined to be interviewed for fear of losing their jobs or not being picked up by the Navy. Many of the workers have been at the CDC for eight years or more caring for the estimated 160 children.

The workers used to work for Raytheon and were then picked up by GFS Group and then Chugach Federal Solutions. Now, they don't know if they'll have jobs in the next two months.

The Navy will take over providing the service and opened a job announcement for a number of positions, but the Chugach workers say they won't all be picked up. In fact, many are worried that none will have a job because of a mandate that preference be given to veterans and military spouses.

For those who do get picked up, there are only a limited number of full time positions with benefits. The others are flex positions that don't come with health insurance or 401(k).

The workers say they hope the Navy looks at their background, experience and training and put that ahead of someone who may have the educational background without any hands on experience, especially with children. They're also worried about the impact the in-sourcing will have on the children they care for.

Nikkel in his memo stated that the Navy will ensure the transition is seamless, but childcare workers aren't even sure that parents have been notified about the upcoming change. Other areas that will be affected by the Navy's decision are the gym, the library and the Auto Hobby Shop.

The Chugach workers are hoping to find out if they'll get picked up for the Navy jobs by the end of this week.

In the meantime, Vice Speaker B.J. Cruz wrote a letter to Joint Region Marianas Commander Rear Admiral Paul Bushong asking that Naval Base Guam provide some consideration to Chugach workers to fill the positions that are needed to continue the services for military members and their families.

Cruz added that extending the opportunities to the existing service providers is in the interest of both the military and the local community.