SRS expects layoffs in October

AIKEN, S.C. - The Savannah River Site has begun warning employees about possible layoffs starting Oct. 1.

Westinghouse Savannah River Co. President Robert Pedde said employees will know who will be cut during the week of Oct. 7.

Pedde said the company is working to minimize layoffs, including shifting some employees to other jobs at the former nuclear weapons plant.

``I do not want anyone to think that our prime objective is to reduce staffing,'' Pedde wrote in an e-mail to employees. ``There is a lot of opportunity within our current missions; in fact, we are looking for people whose abilities can help accelerate the shutdown of F Canyon, close waste tanks earlier, tear down high risk facilities and perform other accelerated cleanup activities.''

The announcement follows a February notice that encouraged eligible workers to retire.