Will I still have my job?
Yes, with what we know today, we expect to make job offers to virtually all of the current SRS M&O employees.SRNS brings three key components to safe and effective operations at the Site: an inspired workforce; new leadership; and strong parent-company support. Retaining and motivating the SRS workforce for future work at the Site are key to DOE’s and the region’s success.
Will it be my same job?
Yes, the large majority of employees will continue in very similar work. We will bring a new organization, to be described in our employee communications and town hall meetings, so your senior supervisor will most likely have a different title. The keys to getting efficient, effective and safe work done are an experienced workforce teaming together and each employee working to his or her strengths.
Will I still work the same hours?
Yes, we are not expecting at this time to change the standard Site work hours. We are, however, interested in conducting the Site’s work in a safe, secure and efficient manner. We will certainly listen to you during transition, and if you tell us that there might be a better structure, we will evaluate that. Any change will be with your collective input and communicated beforehand.
Will I still get the same pay?
Yes, those who accept our job offer will receive compensation equivalent to their current situation.
Will I still have my same health benefits?
Yes, the total package of benefits will be comparable to what you have today. The changes in the contract give us the opportunity to negotiate with benefit providers. We will try to obtain the same benefits at a lower price or better benefits at the same price. We will let you know as soon as possible what, if anything, is going to change.
Will the retirement benefits stay the same?
Yes, subject as always to DOE’s approval.
What is different about SRNS?
While it is true that our partnership includes some of the most well-known corporations in America, we come to SRS not resting on our high public profiles. We will demonstrate that we are not too big to listen or to learn something new. From our corporate resources, we bring a new vision, inventiveness, vitality, employee respect and management agility to meet ever-changing financial and mission challenges. We will manage the change that is on the Site’s doorstep today, and work with you to move the Site forward into new and exciting future opportunities. We are very proud to have been selected by DOE, and we are eager to share that pride with our new M&O team at SRS. We recognize that our success at SRS is DOE’s success, and that success will in large part be due to you, the experienced and devoted workforce.
What are the changes going to be in how we go about accomplishing our work?
Safety and security come first. We will bring a dozen or two senior managers and strong corporate support and oversight from our parent companies. We have been provided a three- month period to transition the SRS M&O workforce into SRNS and to conduct a “due diligence” review of current operations and support functions. Change is already at the Site with new projects underway, resurgence in nuclear activities, and the division of prime contracts. We will bring an experienced management team which together with your Site experience and systems knowledge, will move SRS into a proud and positive future. We will balance the need for change with the stability of day-to-day operations and move forward together. Our goals are, and must be, continuous improvement and the maintaining of process excellence. Continuity of operations is essential for a successful management transition and we welcome and respect the experience and expertise of the professional team of M&O employees at the Site.
What will the changes be at SRNL?
Our contract with DOE states, in part: “SRNL’s three-fold mission is to enable the success of SRS activities; to provide technical leadership for future Site missions; and to utilize its technical expertise to provide vital national and regional support in achieving the broader goals of DOE and the federal government in a safe manner.” We take these words seriously and see a great and promising potential for SRNL. We are not planning to make any substantive changes to SRNL without first making a detailed assessment of the current situation. We will evaluate SRNL’s core competencies, expand them as needed, and keep them foundational. We will make full use of the opportunities and advantages SRNL presents to our nation – an experienced workforce, keen intellects, geography, political support, and natural resources. Our plan is to continue the evolution of SRNL from an earlier inwardly-focused technology center to a more outwardly-focused national laboratory. Our goal is to establish a revitalized SRNL as a premier DOE national laboratory. While we will continue to support our current sponsors, we will simultaneously apply current and enhanced SRNL core competencies to technical issues of regional, national and international significance. Suggestions and feedback from SRNL personnel will be essential contributions to our success.
SRNS and WSRC have fought hard for this contract. Now that the issue has been settled, how are you going to work together during the transition?
SRNS approaches this work, as we will do in all things, in an open, transparent and professional manner working toward the best interests of the Site, its workforce and the region. It should be noted that contractors have participated in the management and operation of DOE’s laboratories and facilities for decades. These long-term relationships empower DOE to expect, and receive, the highest level of professionalism and responsibility. This is particularly true during the transition from an incumbent contractor to its successor. We are confident both SRNS and WSRC will meet DOE’s expectations for an orderly and respectful transition.
What do you see for the next several years?
First and foremost, SRS is not a closure site. While scopes of work may be accomplished and projects completed, the viability of the Site for the future is strong. Our important contributions to environmental management, national defense and nuclear materials disposition will continue for many years. The Site’s physical size, its infrastructure and, above all, its resource of exceptionally qualified men and women make it extremely attractive for new and exciting missions.
We invite you to submit questions you may have to info@savannahrivernuclearsolutions.com. We will respond to the most frequently asked questions on our website as information becomes available.
|
