McMahon 'Optimistic' On Avoiding Robins Layoffs | News

The head of Warner Robins Air Logistics Center is "cautiously optimistic" that they can cut more than 800 jobs without layoffs.

WR-ALC Commander Gen. Robert McMahon spoke to 13WMAZ's Lorra Lynch Jones about how the president's budget may affect Robins Air Force Base and about the status of two job-cutting moves at the base.

First, the base is trying to cut 452 jobs as a result of Air Force-wide budget reductions announced last year.

McMahon said 238 employees accepted voluntary separations last year, and another 108 took buyouts in a second round early this year.

He believes that another 71 workers will take the buyout package, and that a new contract to build F-15s for Saudi Arabia and job growth in other areas will allow them to shift another 35 jobs. That would get them to their goal of 452 jobs.

Meanwhile, the base is trying to get another 365 workers at the 402nd Maintenance Wing to apply for early retirement or early-out packages.

He said 253 people have already applied and been accepted for those packages. Again, he is cautiously optimistic that they can get to their goal without laying anybody off.

McMahon called the 402nd cuts a "proactive prudent move" taken before the White House announced its budget this week.