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The Watervliet Arsenal may soon face significant job cuts, with nearly 40% of its civilian workforce at risk. This potential reduction is part of President Trump's initiative to decrease the size of the federal workforce. If implemented, around 295 employees across various departments could be laid off, which might result in a 70% slowdown in production at the historic facility. The arsenal, which began operations during the War of 1812, is the oldest of its kind in the United States.
Federal agencies are currently working on plans to meet President Trump's directive to reduce their workforces. These plans are due to the White House and the Office of Personnel Management by Thursday (March 13). According to Government Executive, agencies are exploring various strategies to minimize involuntary layoffs, such as hiring freezes, office reorganizations, and offering separation incentives.
The Trump administration has emphasized the need for "maximum elimination" of federal agency functions not required by law, aiming to cut up to one-third of the federal workforce. Agencies have been instructed to consolidate or eliminate divisions and relocate offices to areas with lower living costs, as reported by The New York Times.
While some agencies have already begun issuing reduction-in-force (RIF) notices, others are still finalizing their plans. The Watervliet Arsenal's potential job cuts are part of this broader federal effort to reshape the workforce. The final decisions on layoffs and restructuring are expected to be made in the coming weeks, with agencies required to submit detailed plans by March 13.