National Institute Of Food & Agriculture (USDA) - 71% Of Employees Indicate They Will Refuse Move
The National Institute of Food and Agriculture could suffer a "catastrophic" loss of staff if the Department of Agriculture sticks with a plan to relocate the agency to Kansas City by the end of September, the labor union representing employees said today.
Local 3403 of the American Federation of Government Employees said 71% of NIFA employees will refuse to relocate, based on a survey by the union.
USDA has identified 294 positions at NIFA to move to Kansas City, part of a 550-employee relocation that also includes the Economic Research Service. Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue has said the move will save money and put the research-related agencies closer to the agricultural areas they serve.
The union's projections mirror earlier findings from ERS employees, who overwhelmingly said they are not inclined to make the move. Officials are encouraging employees to move as soon as mid-July to temporary space, if that helps them line up schools for their children or address other priorities. In addition, USDA has told employees to decide by Monday whether they intend to move with the agencies.
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https://www.eenews.net/eenewspm/2019/07/10/stories/1060721975
