800 LANL jobs could be cut in weeks

LOS ALAMOS, N.M. (KRQE) - In a matter of weeks nearly 800 jobs could be eliminated from Los Alamos National Laboratory.

The lab, which pumps nearly three billion dollars a year into New Mexico’s economy, announced a proposal to cut 400-800 positions through voluntary layoffs Tuesday afternoon.

Frank De Sousa, LANL Spokesman, told KRQE News 13 he thought employees were probably relieve to end the speculation surrounding the layoffs and understand the nation is in tough financial times.

De Sousa said the cuts were necessary due to the $300,000,000 cut from the lab’s budget by Washington this year. He went on to assure the community that LANL will continue it’s vital national security work.

This proposal will cut nearly 10 percent of the lab’s staff of 7,500. LANL officials hope these cuts will come through attrition and voluntary departures.

Severance packages based on the amount of time employees have worked for LANL will be available for those who take the offer.

The loss of the jobs and that payroll money will have a big impact on the town of Los Alamos and the surrounding area.

“The lab is a real vital part of this town – everything - most people work at the lab and it’s a huge part of the economy and just the lifestyle here,” Los Alamos resident Marika Sinnis said.

LANL officials say the voluntary cuts are being offered now in hopes of avoiding involuntary layoffs down the road.

Tuesday’s announcement came on top of the news that the six billion dollar nuclear lab planned for LANL had been put on hold for at least five years.

The proposal must still be approved by Washington.