62nd AW prepares for FY12 civilian workforce restructure

  • Published
  • By Ann Stefanek
  • Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs
WASHINGTON (AFNS) --  (Editor's note: This is a localized version of the article located here.)

Air Force officials announced 4,500 additional positions for elimination as a continuation of its fiscal year 2012 Civilian Workforce Restructure Jan. 11.

This reduction builds on the realignments announced in November 2011, including the elimination of 9,000 positions and the addition of 5,900 positions against the Air Force's top priorities. In addition, these reductions respond to the Secretary of Defense's direction to target civilian funding at fiscal year 2010 levels.

"We value our talented and experienced workforce and are trying to do everything possible to manage these reductions with as little impact to our people as possible," said Michael B. Donley, Secretary of the Air Force.

In an effort to encourage voluntary separations and retirements, the Air Force is currently offering its second round of voluntary separation incentive pay and voluntary early retirement authority programs. Civilian employees received VERA/VSIP eligibility surveys from their personnel managers earlier this month and the applications are due no later than Feb. 3. Approved applications will result in separations or retirements that take effect by April 30.

Air Force officials are still evaluating the need for a Reduction in Force.

"At this time, we are surveying the workforce for a second round of VERA/VSIP and are in the midst of management reassignments resulting from the first round of the restructure," said Brig. Gen. Gina Grosso, Director of Manpower, Organization and Resources. "Once we exhaust all voluntary force management measures, a determination will be made whether or not a RIF is necessary. We hope to have more information in the spring."

According to Norman Fernaays, 62nd Airlift Wing civilian personnel officer, the impact of the second round of civilian workforce restructuring will not be detrimental.

"The majority of our civilian position deficiencies were identified in round one of workforce restructuring," said Fernaays. "The impact will be minimal at the 62nd Airlift Wing."

Eleven civilians in total in the 62nd AW and 627 ABG have been identified and two people have already been reassigned.

"The civilian restructuring at this installation is a much smaller percentage than Air Force wide," said Fernaays. "That makes it much easier for us to use the current tools we have in place to minimize the impact to the individuals."

This announcement marks the end of civilian reductions associated with the Air Force's FY12 civilian workforce restructure.

If civilians have any questions about the process, feel free to call the Civilian Personnel Office at 253-982-3803.