19-03-2025
Union fears federal workers at Red River Army Depot are on the chopping block
BOWIE COUNTY, Texas (KTAL/KMSS) — The National Federation of Federal Employees (NFFE) Local 2189 is raising concerns that employees at Red River Army Depot could become casualties of the broader ongoing reduction in force efforts from the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) and the U.S. Office of Management and Budget (OMB) under the direction of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).
'It's like drinking from a fire hydrant. So there's so much information. So many directives. So many executive orders that are coming out of DC, and we are worried, and we are in fear of our jobs.' says Randy Kirschstein, President of NFFE LL 2189.
The union represents roughly 1,100 of the over 3,500 civilian employees at the depot. They say that these sort of cuts the depot could be facing would be illegal under 10 USC 2472.
'The law basically directs that depot personnel, and maintenance personnel are to be based… based solely on the workload, depending on how much work you have determines how many employees you have.' says Kirschstein, 'And to reduce the workload or the number of workers that we have just so that we can reduce the size of the government is ultimately going to affect the war fighter.'
If anything, they say the depot could benefit from expanding their staff.
'As a matter of fact, right now we are at our one of our lowest levels in probably two decades out there at the depot as far as workforces is considered, and that is because we are at peace time.' says Kirschstein.
They further argue that staffing cuts at the depot would not accomplish what doge is setting out to do.
'What we do isn't affecting the national debt. We provide that service and equipment to the army which pays for itself and operates as a business.' says Kirschstein, 'We don't want to be cut with an ax or a chainsaw. If there has to be changes or there has to be reductions, make sure that we're doing the right thing and that we're going in there with the scalpel and removing the waste fraud and abuse where it's necessary.'
Job cuts could have broad effects to the local economy. The Texas Comptroller estimates that the depot contributes over $1.6 billion to the state's economy.
'So not only do we provide a great asset and service to our army and to our military, but we also do to the four states area.' says Kirschstein.
They want to try to get ahead of any workforce reduction plans by asking people to contact their representatives in Washington.
'What we need them to do right now is that at any moment when they have an opportunity to speak about the good that Red River does and how viable we are to this economy in this area that they're saying positive things and making sure that at all costs Red River is able to avoid a RIF (Reduction in Force) or a BRAC (Base Realignment and Closure).' says Kirschstein.
Congressman Nathaniel Moran, whose District 1 represents parts of northeast Texas, gave us a statement that expresses his support and says quote:
'We strongly support the critical mission of the Red River Army Depot and its workforce—both military and civilian. It is the perfect example of the type of efficiency that President Trump rightly seeks in other areas of the government. The story of Red River Army Depot is one critical to our military readiness, and one that already brings great value to the taxpayer. Our office is fully engaged on the issue and prepared to work hard on behalf of the region to protect the operations and personnel at Red River Army Depot.' – Congressman Nathaniel Moran, (R) Texas
We reached out to the Red River Army Depot for comment but did not hear back.
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