OKLAHOMA CITY, OK – Tensions are growing among employees at Tinker Air Force Base as rumors of potential layoffs have begun to surface. The largest union representing federal employees at the base, the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE), has been vocal in its concerns, though no official confirmation has been provided regarding any job cuts.
Brenda Williams, a representative for the AFGE Local 16, which represents a significant portion of Tinker Air Force Base’s workforce, emphasized that while there have been no official reports of layoffs, the union is actively working to gather information. “We’ve reached out to our lawmakers on the hill and here at home but haven’t heard anything. They don’t seem to have any additional information on it,” Williams stated.
The union’s main concern revolves around the lack of communication from legislators regarding the rumors. The AFGE has taken to social media and other communication channels to keep workers informed and clear up any confusion. Recently, they advised employees on how to handle the situation surrounding a Musk email, where workers were asked to submit a list of tasks they had completed in the previous week.
Williams also urged employees to contact their legislators, asking them to take action to prevent the firings if possible. The union has posted resources on its website, encouraging workers to call Congress and demand that they support the federal workforce and oppose any amendments that might lead to the outsourcing of civilian jobs or the termination of workers.
In a statement posted on the AFGE’s website, Williams emphasized the importance of protecting workers’ livelihoods, saying, “It’s not about color. It’s not about red and blue. It is about national security. It’s about people’s livelihood. We’re talking about people’s lives right now and that’s what’s important.”
While union representatives continue to push for answers, Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt appeared less concerned about the potential layoffs. Speaking at a press availability on Wednesday, the governor acknowledged the possibility of job cuts but described them as a natural part of business. “That’s what happens occasionally in business. And that is okay. That’s a free market system that if this job is not needed, we’ve got to. You have to reinvent yourself,” Stitt said.
Governor Stitt also mentioned that if layoffs were to occur, his office would focus on assisting displaced employees by hosting job fairs and helping them find new employment opportunities.
At the federal level, an independent board has taken action to protect some workers from termination. The U.S. Office of Special Counsel requested that an independent federal board halt the termination of six probationary government employees, a decision that may provide temporary relief for some federal workers.
The situation at Tinker Air Force Base highlights a growing sense of uncertainty among federal workers and underscores the tension between union efforts to secure job protection and the state’s more hands-off approach to the potential job cuts. As rumors continue to circulate, both employees and union representatives remain hopeful for clearer communication and a resolution that protects workers’ livelihoods.
