NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory Laying Off 8% of Workforce Due to Lack of Funding

Jace Dela Cruz, Tech Times 07 February 2024, 07:02 am

NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) has announced a significant reduction in its workforce, citing budgetary constraints as the primary reason for the decision.

According to officials, the layoffs will affect approximately 8% of JPL's workforce, or around 530 employees and an additional 40 contractors. The announcement on Tuesday said the organization had exhausted all measures to adjust to a lower budget from NASA.

"The impacts will occur across both technical and support areas of the Lab. These are painful but necessary adjustments that will enable us to adhere to our budget allocation while continuing our important work for NASA and our nation," the JPL's statement reads.

JPL Workforce Update — (Photo : NASA/JPL-Caltech)

Budgetary Challenges of NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory

NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory highlighted the challenges posed by the budgetary constraints. It emphasized the necessity of workforce reduction to ensure adherence to budget allocations while continuing essential work for NASA and the nation.

The memo JPL Director Laurie Leshin sent to employees outlined the rationale behind the decision. Leshin cited the absence of an FY24 appropriation from Congress and the need to take proactive measures to mitigate deeper cuts in the future.

Despite previous cost-saving measures, including a hiring freeze and spending reductions, the current budgetary shortfall necessitated further action.

Consequently, JPL has opted to reduce its workforce across technical and support areas of the laboratory, prioritizing the streamlining of operations while maintaining expertise and innovation levels essential for ongoing missions.

The impact of the layoffs will be communicated to employees in a single day, facilitating swift decision-making and personalized support for affected individuals.

Virtual workforce update meetings are expected on Wednesday to provide clarity on the situation, allowing managers to address the impact of the layoffs within their respective organizations.

Impacted employees will receive personalized information and support, including discussions on benefits and transitional assistance options, according to JPL.

JPL Director's Message to Employees Who Are Laid Off

Despite the challenging circumstances, impacted employees will continue to receive base pay and benefits through a 60-day notice period, offering financial stability during the transition.

Laurie Leshin thanked departing colleagues for their contributions to JPL's mission and community, acknowledging their lasting impact on the organization.

While recognizing the difficulty of the decision, Leshin emphasized the resilience of JPL's workforce and its commitment to advancing essential missions, research, and technology work for NASA and the nation.

"This is by far the hardest action I have had to take since becoming Director of JPL, and I know I join all of you in wishing it was not necessary. We will always value our colleagues who are leaving the Laboratory and they will be missed as we go forward," Leshin noted.

"For those continuing on JPL's journey, we will come through this difficult time and keep moving ahead on our essential missions, research, and technology work for NASA and the nation," he added.