Concerns Rise as Federal Instructions Create Uncertainty at Tobyhanna Army Depot
Amidst swirling federal directives, Tobyhanna Army Depot employees face uncertainty about their future. With a workforce comprising 30% veterans, many wonder if retirement from the depot remains a possibility. Ned George, president of the American Federation of Government Employees Local 1647, highlights the anxiety permeating among the nearly 3,000 staff members.
George, who has served in the Army, finds himself grappling with what he calls “confusing and chaotic” guidance from federal authorities aimed at deficit reduction. “I have people that have worked with me for 20 years who are worried that their jobs are going to go away. I have never said to my wife in my 20 years of federal service… that I was worried about retiring from federal service,” George shared, voicing his concern over the situation.
Tobyhanna Army Depot, a key player in the nation’s organic industrial base, stands as the largest industrial employer in Northeast Pennsylvania. Located in Coolbaugh Township since 1912, the depot’s primary role is repairing military equipment, serving various branches of the U.S. Military. “Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines… Coast Guard, Space Force, that’s who we support, that’s who our customers are,” George elaborated.
The depot’s workforce is a mix of civilians, contractors, active-duty personnel, and veterans, all contributing to its operations in Monroe County. However, recent instructions from the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), under Elon Musk’s leadership via the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM), have added pressure. George mentioned that they were instructed to let go of probationary employees, those with less than a year or two of service. More details on this can be found in the OPM memo. This directive, George argues, violates their contract and could lead to more expensive contract employees filling those roles.
Productivity Scrutiny
Adding to the stress, employees were asked to submit bullet points detailing their accomplishments, with only 48 hours notice. This initiative is part of a broader effort led by Musk to assess productivity, as noted by NPR. George pointed out the challenge for the depot’s blue-collar workers, who may not always be near a computer, thus impacting their work routine. “This is costing the federal government a lot more money,” he remarked, emphasizing the depot’s mission of supporting warfare assets.
“We can’t even support a parade that we’ve been supporting for, I can’t even tell you how long,” said Ned George, the president of the American Federation of Government Employees Local 1647.
Changes in Federal Initiatives
The discontinuation of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives at the federal level marks another shift impacting the depot. This change means the depot will no longer participate in local St. Patrick’s Day parades, where employees had volunteered alongside military equipment. “We can’t even support a parade that we’ve been supporting for, I can’t even tell you how long,” George lamented about upcoming events.
Seeking Support from Officials
In response to these developments, George has reached out to Pennsylvania’s representatives, including Congressman Rob Bresnahan Jr. Bresnahan’s office has assured ongoing communication with depot leadership to assess the situation. “The TYAD is a crucial asset in Pennsylvania’s Eighth Congressional District and for the U.S. military,” said spokesperson Hannah Pope, expressing Rep. Bresnahan’s commitment to supporting the depot.
While U.S. Sen. Dave McCormick’s office has not yet responded, efforts continue to engage with Senator John Fetterman’s team. “Their (Fetterman’s) office is supposed to come out and speak up for us,” noted George. Additionally, former U.S. Congressman Matt Cartwright has reached out to check on the depot’s staff.
George emphasized the depot’s importance to the local community and national security, stating, “I don’t want the army depot to close. It’s the closest thing to my home where I can make a viable living and support my family… The way we’re being attacked right now is actually putting us in, I couldn’t even tell you the jeopardy that we may be put in… costing more money and for what.”
Military Operations at Scranton Plant
The Scranton Army Ammunition Plant (SAAP), part of the nation’s Organic Industrial Base, also supports military operations by manufacturing artillery shells. The U.S. had been supplying ammunition to Ukraine, but recent political developments have paused this aid. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s visit to the plant in September was a gesture of gratitude. For more information, visit the WVIA news report. Despite these uncertainties, an Army spokesperson confirmed no changes in operations at the plant.
