Lockheed plans more voluntary cuts

Lockheed Martin Corp.’s information systems sector has launched a voluntary layoff program to cut the ranks of its mid-level managers.

The reduction in force for the information systems and global solutions business is not related to sequestration fears, but is part of an effort to keep the business competitive and efficient, a company spokesman said.

The program was announced Feb. 4, and eligible employees accepted for the program will leave by March 22.

Employees have until the end of February to apply for the program, and the company expects between 300 and 350 positions to be eliminated, the spokesman said.

As for cuts related to sequestration, Lockheed Martin is still evaluating the impact of the automatic cuts if Congress fails to pass a solution by March 1.

Layoffs among government contractors has become more commonplace in the last two years, particularly as the large defense companies have dealt with budget cuts, the reduction in military operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, and a weak economy.

Nearly all of the large IT contractors have reported a contraction in their government business over the last year.