NEWPORT NEWS-More than 300 employees have been let go from Newport News Shipbuilding.
In an official statement released on social media on February 26, Newport News Shipbuilding President Jennifer Boykin announced that 314 salaried shipbuilders have been laid off. In addition, 119 managers have been demoted. It is the first workforce reduction at the shipyard in five years.
In her statement, Boykin said the decision “more evenly distributes management spans and reshapes production and support ratios.
“Our priority is for the well-being of our employees, and we understand the impact this layoff has on them and their families,” Boykin continued. “We are providing severance and benefits as well as transition assistance to aid them through this stressful time.”
Boykin added that the shipyard will continue hiring for specific, critical positions.
“While these are very difficult decisions, they are necessary cost controls to help ensure the future of our shipyard and the affordability of the ships we build,” she said.