Friday, October 02, 2009

USA to lay off 277 employees

Some 258 United Space Alliance workers took a "self-nominated" layoff today, as the company begins cutbacks necessary to reduce the workforce in advance of the shuttle's retirement in 2011.

"Many of them are people who decided to retire," USA spokesperson Tracy Yates said.

Next week 19 workers will be laid off non-voluntarily.

Yates said the layoffs account for less than 5 percent of USA's Florida workforce and that the reduction will not adversely affect space shuttle operations. She said the reduction is intended to align the workforce with the budget and shuttle flight schedule for 2010.

After the layoff, some 5,600 USA employees will remain. USA does not expect further layoffs through the end of the shuttle program, Yates said.

The layoffs bring to nearly 900 the number of space industry workers who have lost their jobs this year.

11 comments:

Anonymous said...

It was nice working with you guys and gals. It is time to wind things down and move on too something bigger and better. I hope the new program will receive their funds and Brevard will still be in a good economic picture. We already knew this was going to happen so it is old news to us..God Bless.

Anonymous said...

Sorry to hear this, I know there are those that will retire to allow others to keep working.

rebellady918 said...

Anonymous, you said like a kind-hearted person and I wish you well in your "winding down" and 'bigger and better" things! God Bless you :)

Anonymous said...

Chip, chip, chippin away. Sad.

Anonymous said...

Yates is either lying or ignorant. The next round of layoffs will be around April of 2010. This info is coming from several different upper level managers.

PapaNGoogie said...

Thank you for your service. Good luck.

Anonymous said...

Eh?? Whats so sad about somebody retiring after 30, 35, 40 years out there? Thats right, just look at the retirement signs posted for the retirement parties in the lobbies and elevators,time to move on and let some fresh blood come aboard.

Anonymous said...

That's just the tip of the "Iceberg". The same rumer mill that predicted this layoff in March of this year says that many more are around the corner. Possibly by Nov.-Dec.'09 and Feb.-March'10. Good Luck to all.

Anonymous said...

God Bless those who are able to retire and those who have allowed others to remain employed by accepting a voluntary lay off. My the good Lord look out for you and your families. thank you for your self less act of kindness towards others..

Anonymous said...

Your rumor mill is incorrect for Nov-Dec but you might be right for March of next year. Hopefully, it will not be until mid 2010 and it will be mostly more people wanting to retire. You guys that want to retire better pick up the bonus before you lose it. They might keep you on the new program.

Anonymous said...

What's so sad about someone retiring over 30 years of service? It is because the space center is more then just a job. It is about being part of something special and building long term relationships as close a family. The only new blood that will be part of the new program are the ones who have a degree and a clean background so you better start working on it. The way things look now, I does not look like anyone will be working if we do not receive our funding from Congress.