Editor's Note: Laboratory Director G. Peter Nanos has stated on more than one occasion that he will review a return to a modified work schedule at such time that he feels it is appropriate and if such a schedule is a sound business decision, is cost-efficient and meets operational requirements.

Jan. 12, 2005

Morale problem at Lab

I think it’s pretty much a given that we all realize that there is a “morale problem” at the Laboratory. Since the Lab suspended operations, Lab employees have been under a constant bombardment of negative un-healthy attacks. Uncertainty has been the norm the last six months. Lab employees also lost the benefit of the 9/80 schedule. The talk about the RFP and how it was written has caused even more uncertainty and morale problems. All this said; there has been no mention of how we can improve Lab employee morale.

Wouldn’t it make sense to re-instate the 9/80 schedule to help bring up what’s left of the little morale we do have? Why aren’t employees hearing anything about bringing morale back to the Lab? Are we just all going to wait and limp along until the contract is resolved? I don’t have all the answers, but common sense tells me something needs to be done as soon as possible. The longer this unhealthy disease lingers, the harder it will be to find a cure.

--Rob Vitek