Air Force Base civilian employees will face furloughs beginning next month. Starting July 8, approximately 702 employees at Luke will be furloughed two days per pay period, for a total of 11 days through the end of September.
Some civilians will be exempt from the furlough. They include all foreign military sales employees, nonappropriated funds employees and 16 Child Development Center direct care workers. First responders are not exempted, but Luke’s mutual aid partnership with the local community allows for support in that area.
“At Luke, we are looking at a potential $3 million cost savings in our civilian pay budget based on the number of days that we have right now and the number of people that will be effected,” said Col. Nathan Mooney, 56th Mission Support Group commander.
Those employees who are impacted will work with their supervisors to determine a suitable schedule, said Bryan Evans, 56th Force Support Squadron civilian personnel officer.
The Luke AFB Airman and Family Readiness Center offers financial counseling along with employment assistance services for those who are considering seeking additional employment opportunities. Additionally, the CDC is offering parents the opportunity to submit an exemption for consideration to have their fees reduced for child care.
The Defense Department announced it would impose this measure in response to sequestration.