Officials announce civilian workforce hiring freeze

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DOBBINS AIR RESERVE BASE, Ga. --  Air Force officials announced the implementation of a 90-day hiring freeze effective immediately.

A firm commitment to keep spending within requested levels led to implement the hiring freeze across the civilian workforce, officials said.

In addition to a 90-day hiring freeze, the officials plan to reduce temporary and term employees and will implement both the Voluntary Separation Incentive Program and Voluntary Early Retirement Authority program.

Officials project that all major commands, direct reporting units and field operation agencies will be affected by these actions.

"We are operating in a very challenging fiscal environment and are focused on meeting mission requirements with a reduced budget." said Lt. Gen. Darrell Jones, the Deputy Chief of Staff for Manpower, Personnel and Services. "We are mindful of the potential impacts of budget constraints on our civilian force and their families, which is why we are seeking to reduce the need for involuntary measures."

The 90-day hiring freeze is intended to quickly reduce civilian strength levels to budgetary limits and enable future hiring to support the most critical mission requirements.

"We will do our utmost to provide timely, candid communication on specific efforts as details are finalized," Jones said.

Civilian positions in Air Force Reserve Command (AFRC) are also covered under the 90-day hiring freeze.

"This action has no affect on the pending Reduction In Force (RIF) positions," said Kelly Kinsey, Dobbins Air Reserve Base Human Resources officer. "Air Force Reserve Command has not determined if VERA or VSIP will be necessary at this time."

Air Reserve Technician (ART) positions are currently exempt from the hiring freeze. Supervisors with civilian vacancies have three courses of action that can be taken.

"If a supervisor has made a selection and your selectee has a firm job offer with an effective date, the action will continue with no change," Kinsey said. "If a supervisor has made a selection and the selectee has not been notified or has a tentative offer, the effective date will set after Oct. 1. If the vacant position has not been announced or a selection has not been made, the action will be canceled by AFPC and returned."

For additional information on civilian workforce reduction measures, personnel should contact their local civilian personnel office.

Courtesy of 94th Airlift Wing Public Affairs