Sandia’s health plan ended FY17 $4 million (2.3 percent) under budget partially due to negotiated cost savings through effective contract management as well as progressive wellness efforts to maintain a healthy workforce. The low cost means lower premium increases in 2018 at only $0-$13 per month for employees. Sandia’s low healthcare costs are supported by the October 2017 DOE Contractor Benefits Benchmarking and Metrics Study, which shows total cost for active employee health at $13,383 per employee per year, well below the DOE weighted average of $15,861. (3500)
On Oct. 9, 2017, a new agreement was ratified between Sandia and the Metal Trades Council (MTC) that is effective through Sept. 30, 2020. There are approximately 440 employees in the MTC labor union at Sandia. The new contact continues world-class benefits, provides wage increase in all three years of the agreement, and simplifies a number of aspects of the prior contract to better support Sandia’s critical national defense mission.
The National Museum of Nuclear Science & History, managed for DOE by Sandia and operated by a not-for-profit organization, successfully designed, created, and erected a near fullscale replica of the 100-foot tower on which the Trinity Test of the world’s first atomic detonation occurred in July of 1945. The exhibit erected outside the museum in Heritage Park includes a replica of the plutonium device “gadget” hanging below the cabin that was atop the tower. The privately funded project enhances community appreciation for the Sandia/DOE role in technology development and history. (3000)
TRINITY TOWER replica at the National Museum of Nuclear Science & History opened October 6, 2017.