Secretary of Energy Bill Richardson last week announced that the Department of Energy (DOE) will continue to award retirement benefits to more than 7,000 workers at DOE closure sites.
DOE said this affirms the department''s support of those who participated in the nation''s defense, and those who are playing a role in safely cleaning up these facilities.
"This is the right thing to do for the people who served our nation in the nuclear weapons industries, and who are now helping us safely close down these sites," said Richardson. "These actions will help ensure that workers get the benefits they deserve."
Assistant Secretary for Environmental Management Carolyn Hutoon, issued a memorandum clarifying existing DOE policies on retirement benefits at DOE closure sites.
The issue of post closure site benefits has been of greatest concern to workers at the department''s Rocky Flats, Fernald and Mound sites because the cleanup job will be completed by 2010 or sooner.
A more comprehensive policy on benefits for all DOE contract workers is being developed and is targeted for release before the end of this year.
by Virginia Sutcliffe
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EHS Today Staff
EHS Today's editorial staff includes:
Dave Blanchard, Editor-in-Chief: During his career Dave has led the editorial management of many of Endeavor Business Media's best-known brands, including IndustryWeek, EHS Today, Material Handling & Logistics, Logistics Today, Supply Chain Technology News, and Business Finance. In addition, he serves as senior content director of the annual Safety Leadership Conference. With over 30 years of B2B media experience, Dave literally wrote the book on supply chain management, Supply Chain Management Best Practices (John Wiley & Sons, 2021), which has been translated into several languages and is currently in its third edition. He is a frequent speaker and moderator at major trade shows and conferences, and has won numerous awards for writing and editing. He is a voting member of the jury of the Logistics Hall of Fame, and is a graduate of Northern Illinois University.
Adrienne Selko, Senior Editor: In addition to her roles with EHS Today and the Safety Leadership Conference, Adrienne is also a senior editor at IndustryWeek and has written about many topics, with her current focus on workforce development strategies. She is also a senior editor at Material Handling & Logistics. Previously she was in corporate communications at a medical manufacturing company as well as a large regional bank. She is the author of Do I Have to Wear Garlic Around My Neck?, which made the Cleveland Plain Dealer's best sellers list.
Nicole Stempak, Managing Editor: Nicole Stempak is managing editor of EHS Today and conference content manager of the Safety Leadership Conference.