Team McConnell affected by civilian reduction in force

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  • By Staff Reports
  • 22nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. -- --  In a continuing effort to meet Defense Department funding targets and rebalance the civilian workforce, some Air Force installations will implement civilian reduction in force authorities effective through April 4.

Following a major command needs assessment in early August, more than 1,000 civilian overages were identified across 48 Air Force installations going into fiscal year 2016.

The impact to McConnell's civilian work force will be minimal. Currently four civilian employees from the 931st Air Refueling Group have been identified and zero civilian employees from the 22nd Air Refueling Wing will be affected by the reduction.

Having these RIF authorities will assist in the placement of employees not assigned against funded positions and allow greater flexibilities for employees to be placed at their installations while retaining their grade or pay.

"The four civilian employees from the 931st ARG have been notified and the civilian personnel section along with the manpower team is working to place these employees and avoid employment termination," said Nettie Webb, 22nd Force Support Squadron Civilian Personnel Officer.  

Overage positions have been reduced through pre-RIF placements, hiring controls and several rounds of Voluntary Early Retirement Authority and Voluntary Separation Incentive Pay in fiscal years 2014 and 2015. The Air Force no longer has the ability to carry overages when the position is not funded and will use RIF authorities to help place most of the remaining civilians on funded positions.

"One employee has already been reassigned and a plan to assign the remaining three employees into different positions within their unit has been developed," said Webb. "New assignments are scheduled to go into effect April 4, 2016." 

The processes available use RIF procedures to determine employee placement rights into vacancies as well as provide the flexibility to waive qualifications to create more placement options.

"We are committed to assisting each individual through this transition, and we will take care of our civilian Airmen by using every possible measure to minimize personal financial hardship for our civilian workforce and their families," added Webb.

The fiscal 2016 civilian RIF implementation is separate from sequestration actions.

For information about civilian employment, RIF and other personnel issues, contact the civilian personnel section at (316) 759-4353.

(Editor's Note: Information provided by the Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs)