For the third time in two years, JPL faces harmful workforce cuts without lab management articulating a clear strategy for the future. This lack of strategy–and the stress and fear it needlessly causes us as workers–is a big part of why JPLers are forming a union and challenging these latest cuts.
Currently, Congress has not yet finished a NASA budget for the year, and JPL has received more NASA funding this year than last year at the same time. There’s no way to make an informed decision about which cuts are truly needed until Congress decides on a budget. Organizers have drafted a letter calling on JPL leadership to provide their real justifications for laying off 550 workers and offering alternatives JPL could pursue instead of outright job cuts.
Like all JPLers, we love this exceptional workplace. We’re sending this letter with the hope of protecting a place we want to see thrive and protecting the people who do the impossible everyday. We invite everyone to read, sign, and share this petition here.
Best,
Ella Seal
Systems Engineer
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