Retention incentive program for nuclear materials workers begins July 1

Beginning July 1, employees at Technical Area 55 and the Chemistry and Metallurgy Research Building who meet eligibility requirements can begin receiving additional pay as an incentive to keep skilled workers in those facilities.

According to a memo issued today by Tim George, Nuclear Materials Technology Division (NMT) leader, the Laboratory and the Department of Energy have authorized the Retention Incentive Program because of the need for experienced nuclear materials workers in carrying out Los Alamos’ national security mission.

"We’re trying to stabilize our workforce because of the mission-critical work that we do here," George said. "We need to have the same people working on these activities day after day to build up expertise and continue to improve the quality of everything we do."

To be eligible, employees must have worked in radiological-controlled areas at TA-55 or CMR for at least a year and hold current Q clearances, PSAP certifications and Radiological Worker II qualifications. They also must have demonstrated satisfactory job performance with no disciplinary issues.

The incentive is being offered to all job classifications: technicians, technical staff members, specialist staff members and administrative support staff. Only University of California employees, including qualified students, are eligible. Managers from deputy group leader and above, as well as contract personnel, aren’t eligible.

George said the retention incentive won’t be added to employees’ base salary, so it won’t follow an employee who takes another job outside TA-55 or CMR, and it won’t be included in calculating retirement benefits.

The amount an employee will receive is based on years of experience working in TA-55 or CMR radiological-controlled areas, as follows:

• after the first year of eligibility, $200/month;
• after the second year of eligibility, $400/month; and
• after the third year of eligibility, and beyond, $500/month.
  

Employees from other divisions who work in the two facilities, such as Materials Science and Technology (MST); Chemistry ( C); Engineering Sciences and Applications (ESA); Health, Safety and Radiation Protection (HSR); or other divisions, are eligible for the incentive, with approval from their managers and NMT Division management.

In three years, division management will perform a comprehensive review of how effective the incentive program has been in recruiting and retaining skilled workers, followed by a recommendation on whether the incentives should continue, George said.

More information about the incentive program is available in a set of frequently asked questions.(Adobe Acrobat Reader required)

-- Jim Danneskiold

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