Waste Isolation Pilot Plant contractor looking at 90 layoffs

The contractor for the federal government’s nuclear waste repository in southeastern New Mexico could cut as many as 90 jobs.

Washington TRU Solutions announced Wednesday it is restructuring its work force at the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant near Carlsbad.

The company’s president, Farok Sharif, says it had planned to use attrition to help reduce staff levels.

Attribution had been running 6 percent to 8 percent annually, but that’s dropped below 2 percent in the last two years.

Sharif says there are now more workers than the budget allows.

The company plans a voluntary separation program, followed by layoffs if necessary.

Company officials say a worst-case scenario could impact up to 90 people.

Sharif says the company also is looking at departmental budgets, overtime and other areas to save money.

From: There Public