Sequestration Furloughs; how they affect you

  • Published
  • By 1st Lt. Denise Haeussler
  • 433rd Airlift Wing Public Affairs
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND --  Col. Jeffrey Pennington, 433rd Airlift Wing commander hosted two town hall meetings at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland Feb. 26 to give information and answer questions about the potential administrative sequestration furlough if Congress doesn't reach an agreement.

According to Headquarters Air Force Civilian Force Policy Division, a furlough is the placing of an employee in a temporary non-duty, non-pay status. The administrative furlough is a planned event by the Department of the Air Force which is designed to absorb reductions necessitated by downsizing, reduced funding, lack of work, or any other budget situation.

The sessions were held at the 433rd AW Fuel Cell Hangar together with Brian Carter, Joint Base San Antonio Civilian Personnel Officer and Patricia Chaplin, Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland Labor Relations Officer both from the 802nd civilian personnel office here.

If sequestration is triggered, here is a timeline of events and how it will affect the 433rd AW.
Mar. 21-25 - Furlough proposal notices served to employees

Mar. 28-Apr 1 - Employee reply period ends (7 days from when proposal was served)

Mar. 29-Apr. 24 - Furlough decision letters served on employees (depending on when proposal was served and prior to first day of furlough)

April 25 - Furlough period begins, extending 11 pay periods between April 21 and Sept. 21, 2013.

Below are the most frequently asked questions; for all FAQ's please visit the Lackland Civilian Personnel Office SharePoint Page.

1. Should Federal employees report to work on March 1, 2013?

Employees who are scheduled to work on March 1, should report for work. Under sequestration, agencies would still have funds available after March 1, but the overall funding for the remainder of the fiscal year would be reduced. This means that agencies will not be executing any immediate personnel actions, such as furloughs, on March 1. If furloughs or other personnel actions prove to be necessary, agencies will provide affected employees the requisite advance notice.

2. How will I know if I am affected by an administrative furlough?

Employees will be provided at least 30 days notification for an administrative furlough scheduled for 22 workdays or less, and at least 60 days notification for an administrative furlough scheduled for more than 22 workdays.

3. Who should employees contact for information about whether sequestration will impact them and whether they may be furloughed?

Employees' primary contact will be their supervisors regarding whether or not they will be furloughed. They may contact the Civilian Personnel Office for information about the effects and procedures of furlough at 671-3905.

4. If I am furloughed, am I separated from service?

Employees who are furloughed are not separated from Federal service. They are placed in a temporary nonduty, nonpay status.

5. May I volunteer to do my job on a nonpay basis during any hours or days designated as furlough time off?

No. Unless otherwise authorized by law, an agency may not accept the voluntary services of an employee. (See 31 U.S.C. 1342.) Furloughed employees will not be authorized to work remotely or off-site, to respond to DoD-provided digital devices, or conduct official business during each furlough period. Furloughed employees will not visit their worksite beyond a quick visit to retrieve personal items as necessary.

To contact the civilian personnel office please call 671-3905.