Houston company to lay off space shuttle workers

HOUSTON The company says it will lay off about 15 percent of its total current Space Shuttle workforce, effective October 1 of this year in order to align the workforce level with the company's Space Shuttle Program Operations Contract work scope and current budget.

Virginia Barnes, USA President and CEO, said, "The accomplishments of this team are unmatched in human spaceflight. We acknowledge the tremendous talent and commitment of our teammates and congratulate them on their achievements. We are committed to making this transition as smooth as possible."

USA employs approximately 8,100 employees at its Florida, Texas and Alabama sites. The reduction in force will affect multiple disciplines and multiple organizations across the company.

The company says all employees subject to the layoff will receive severance compensation and access to support for resume development, job interview training and career transition training.

Only two missions remain in the Space Shuttle Program - one is currently scheduled for no earlier than November 1, 2010, and the other is set for February 26, 2011.