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The United States Enrichment Corporation (USEC), with the Department of Energy (DOE), today provided details of two voluntary separation incentive programs that will be offered to workers at gaseous diffusion plants in Piketon, Ohio, and Paducah, Ky. The programs are designed to help ease the impact of about 625 job reductions at the two facilities in July.

USEC has lowered the number of anticipated job reductions at the two plants, downward from 850, due to normal attrition, increases in project work, more Energy Department work and other factors.

All impacted workers will receive a package of benefits, including training assistance up to $10,000, medical benefits to cover employer-paid premiums, relocation and outplacement assistance, based on eligibility criteria.

The voluntary separation incentive programs will provide workers two options for voluntary separation:

• The first will provide a lump sum payment of $12,500, in lieu of earned severance, for workers who began working at the plants on or after USEC was created in July1993, and $17,500 for workers whose careers began before that date. USEC will contribute $2,500 for each lump sum participant, with remaining costs funded by the department of Energy.

• The second will allow workers who volunteer to separate to receive a payment equal to their earned severance.

Acceptance for participation in these programs is contingent on determinations by USEC that a worker's separation is consistent with its ongoing business requirements. The opportunity to volunteer for participation in both separation programs begins May 5 and will remain open until at least May 24.

- DOE -

R-00-125