Hickam to cut 37 civilian jobs

By Sean Hao
Advertiser Staff Writer

Hickam Air Force Base yesterday said it will eliminate 37 civilian jobs by October as it realigns its workforce to keep it in line with its mission and budget.

The jobs amount to 2.7 percent of the 1,375 civilians employed at the base.

Another 61 civilians will be shifted to other jobs as Hickam eliminates a total of 150 positions.

The remaining positions were either not filled or were vacated as employees took early retirement, said Col. Raymond Torres, commander of the 15th Airlift Wing.

The job cuts were necessitated by budget constraints and the changing nature of operations, which in recent years have been shaped by the war on terrorism.

"We are constantly moving around civilians and enlisted officers because we're constantly making changes," Torres said.

The job cuts were initially announced in May. The salaries of those being cut range from about $20,000 to $80,000 a year. Those losing their jobs will be eligible for up to $25,000 in severance pay depending on length of service and current pay grade.

Torres said furloughed workers also will receive job relocation services and preference for other defense jobs, should they open up.

"Our job continues to be to help these people return and find jobs in the defense department," he said.

Reach Sean Hao at shao@honoluluadvertiser.com or 525-8093.