Nearly 500 Oregon Transportation Workers Facing Layoffs Due to Budget Shortfall
TL/DR –
Nearly 500 employees of the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) are facing layoffs due to a $350 million shortfall in the agency’s budget. The layoffs threaten highway maintenance and safety across the state. As the agency leadership tries to cope with the situation, Governor Tina Kotek and top lawmakers are considering a special legislative session to find more funds for ODOT and prevent further layoffs.
Job Cuts Amid Budget Shortfall at the Oregon Department of Transportation
Andrew Uhl’s dedication at the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) led to a permanent position recently. However, his job is now at risk due to the department’s $350 million budget shortfall.
Uhl is one of almost 500 ODOT employees facing layoffs this month. This move may compromise highway safety and maintenance across Oregon due to inadequate funding.
For many employees, the situation is frustrating and uncertain, even as agency leaders and union representatives attempt to mitigate the layoffs’ effects.
Gov. Tina Kotek and senior lawmakers are deliberating on a potential special legislative session in the coming weeks to find more money for ODOT and avoid further layoffs this winter.
Wave of layoffs
Despite Oregon Department of Transportation’s cognizance of potential layoffs without additional funding, the suddenness and magnitude of the workforce reduction shocked many employees. The layoffs have resulted in mistrust between agency leaders and employees, demanding greater transparency.
Impacts of departures
The workforce reduction has sparked concerns regarding compromised road safety and infrastructure deterioration. Almost every county in Oregon will be impacted, with significant cuts in roles ranging from mechanics and project managers to traffic planners and safety specialists. ODOT’s plan also includes the closure of 12 maintenance stations primarily in rural areas.
The reductions will likely delay work with contractors and local governments, resulting in longer wait times for project approvals. This layoff wave will disproportionately impact workers who recently joined the agency, leading to a substantial loss of key knowledge that may take years to rebuild.
Uncertainty moving forward
State officials, lawmakers, and Kotek are exploring potential ways to allocate more money to the agency. However, without any concrete decisions and the possibility of further layoffs in winter, many employees are already seeking employment elsewhere.
Carlos Fuentes covers state politics and government. Reach him at cfuentes@oregonian.com.
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