101 INL workers to be let go

Idaho National Laboratory managers have begun implementing an “involuntary separation program.” Battelle Energy Alliance Human Resources and Diversity Director Mark Holubar said managers are contacting 101 employees.The termination process will be completed as soon as they are notified.

Since its latest workforce restructuring began, Holubar said 114 employees had volunteered to leave INL. Nearly 60 more left the lab through normal attrition since the beginning of the fiscal year.Their positions will not be filled.

Combined with the involuntary separations that began Tuesday, about 7 percent of the contractor’s workforce has been reduced.

Holubar said additional workforce restructuring may be necessary before the end of the fiscal year.He said INL will be keeping a close eye on the federal budget situation in the coming months and have a clearer picture of what additional actions might be necessary.

Regardless of the labor force reductions, the laboratory confirmed it will likely be filling other critical positions throughout the remainder of the fiscal year.

“There will still continue to be some hiring in certain specific areas,” said Holubar. “Mostly in our research and development areas that we have.”

The Idaho Department of Labor is preparing to assist workers affected by the restructuring. Spokesman Will Jenson said the agency secured a National Emergency Grant through the U.S. Department of Labor.

That grant will be used to provide a variety of services including short-term education to help them find other jobs and assistance in covering relocation or job-search expenses.