TOP STORY >> Base loses three in round two of AF civilian restructuring

WASHINGTON (AFNS) – Team Little Rock is losing three more authorizations as part of the continuation of the Air Force’s fiscal 2012 Civilian Workforce Restructure. The base was originally hit with the loss of approximately 41 authorizations in November as part of the first round of the restructure.

The three cuts announced today are the base’s portion of the Air Force’s 4,500 additional positions eliminated as a continuation of its FY12 Civilian Workforce Restructure.

“We’ve worked incredibly hard to minimize the impact of the loss of these positions on our employees,” said Col. Thomas Crimmins, 19th Airlift Wing vice commander. “We understand the significance these three positions have on the affected individuals and their families. Our civilian personnel staff has worked tirelessly to help find on-base positions for those affected by this announcement.”

This reduction builds on the realignments announced in November, 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 Jan. 27. 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.”

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