Possible RIF????

[crash_&_smash]

Has anyone heard of a RIF in the new fiscal year? The Admiral over the Southeast Region was going to do a RIF by 30 SEPT 04, but it was stopped, and now we heard one might start in the new fiscal year. Our dept was looking at losing 8-10 firefighters, and other bases were looking at a harder hit. I've also heard this is to help pay for the cost of the war, and that the southeast region is a "test" to see if "they" could downsize DOD wide. I'm just trying to see what other bases are hearing. Any news would help.

[LINEMAN]

C&S,

RELAX. Don't get your panties all in a wad. You mention admiral, so I'm quessing you work at a DoD Navy FD. I know of no such talk in DoD land in the DC metro area. The Navy has Reg's, which mandates staffing levels to maintain/ensure protection. Admirals can talk all they want, you just don't say the hell with Reg's and DoDI. Its called illegal. I wouldn't sweat it.

[crash_&_smash]

I'm at NAS Meridian in Mississippi, and this came down from the Admiral herself. Our CHF and a union rep attended a meeting in Jacksonville FL w/ representatives from all the bases in the southeast region. SIP and VERA forms have been passed around with a separation date of 30 SEPT 04, and we've heard the RIF is to follow. Their goal is to drop our manning from 56 in the dept to 43.

FYI.. In the 80-R-14 and NAVAIR our manning calls of 18 per shift, but a waiver has already been signed to drop us to 15 per shift with firefighters cross manning pumpers and ARFF trucks.

[crash_&_smash]

You can also go to www.dodfire.com and look in the forum under breaking news. The Topic starts CNI has started...

[crash_&_smash]

Here are the number I've seen..
11 Firefighters @ Key West
7 Firefighters @ Meridian
11 Firefighters @ Mid South
2 Firefighters @ GitMO
5 Firefighters @ Charleston
Total is 36 firefighter jobs in the Navy Southeast Region

The numbers above are from a RIF Summary Sheet from Commander, Navy Southeast Region.
I have a copy of a letter from Commander, Navy Southeast Region. In the letter is language like " Since this may be the only VSIP/VERA authorized by CNI prior to any FY-05 RIF, your consideration is strongly encouraged", " In total, our downsizing requirement are approximately 300 positions" and " We fully recognize that your VSIP opportunity window must close 30 days prior to issuance of RIF notices and that you must factor out of any planned RIF those employees that accept VSIP. We know that this will impact your RIF timeline. This is unfortunate but unavoidable."
Doesn't sound good....