LAYOFFS ANNOUNCEMENT DELAYED FOR `EARLY OUTS'

                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: SUNDAY, February 28, 1993                   TAG: 9302280124
SECTION: VIRGINIA                    PAGE: C4   EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY 
SOURCE: 
DATELINE: WASHINGTON                                LENGTH: Short
LAYOFFS ANNOUNCEMENT DELAYED FOR `EARLY OUTS'
The Pentagon has delayed announcing long-anticipated layoffs at Navy shipyards and aviation depots for at least another month so workers can first consider taking "early-out" bonuses and retirement plans.
The work forces at the Norfolk Naval Shipyard in Portsmouth and the Naval Aviation Depot in Norfolk are expected to be reduced by 2,500.
However, some workers could decide to quit early with up to $25,000 in their pockets or with a reduced retirement benefit, according to a Defense Department memo released Thursday. Nationwide, the program could affect 27,600 civilians facing layoffs this year from the Army, Navy and Air Force.
"I hope people can take it because it'll free up more positions to keep people from being laid off to the street," said Jim Sommerhauser of the International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers.
But Sommerhauser said the proposals are not comparable to what is being offered military personnel affected by work force reductions. His union represents about 1,700 of the 11,250 workers at the Norfolk Naval Shipyard.
Announcement of the layoffs has been held up since the fall. The Bush administration refused to approve the reductions and left the task to the new president. The latest delay pushes the news of the layoffs beyond the release of President Clinton's proposed budget, scheduled for March 23. - Associated Press
Memo: shorter version ran in the Metro edition.

by Archana Subramaniam by CNB by Archana Subramaniam by CNB