National Laboratory, Tri-Cities largest employer, plans voluntary layoffs amid federal budget uncertainty

KENNEWICK — Pacific Northwest National Laboratory in Richland plans to cut 130 positions as it prepares for uncertain funding levels in the fiscal year that starts Oct. 1.

Given federal budget uncertainty, it is preparing for cuts in some of its research programs, said PNNL Laboratory Director Steven Ashby in a memo to staff Wednesday morning obtained by the Tri-City Herald.

“As part of our effort to improve operational efficiency, we also need to reduce overhead-funded support positions,” he told staff. “Toward this end, we will eliminate approximately 40 vacant positions and about 90 staffed positions.”

Cuts will be made through attrition and by offering voluntary layoffs, he said. The voluntary layoffs will be narrowly targeted and not available to all staff.

The Department of Energ