THE DAILY FED
Energy Department RIFs Delayed
Saying he is hopeful that the "worst scenario may not occur," Energy Secretary Federico Pena has instructed the department's managers to delay RIF notices to 1,500 employees nationwide, The Federal Times reported this week.
In August, Pena issued a memo warning employees about the possibility of layoffs due to cuts in the agency's fiscal 1998 budget proposed by the House.
Under the proposed House funding bill, 13 percent of the Energy Department's 11,314 jobs would be eliminated. However, after negotiating with key Congress members, Pena hopes to obtain additional funding for employee salaries.
About 100 employees at the department's Washington headquarters who work for the environmental management division have already received RIF notices.
An additional 46 employees at headquarters and 290 in field offices may receive RIF notices if the House bill is passed in its current form.
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