ST Engineering, also known as VT MAE, has come under public scrutiny regarding its workforce at its Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility at the Pensacola International Airport, particularly its layoff of Chilean workers.
Company officials met with Mayor D.C. Reeves on Thursday to discuss its workforce and detailed strategic growth plans. The mayor plans to meet later this month with Escambia County, FloridaWest, CareerSource, Pensacola State College, UWF, and the school district to create a more robust pipeline to meet the ST’s employment needs.
ST Chief Integration Officer Bill Hafner wrote Triumph Gulf Coast chair David Bear, offering to also share the same information with the board.
“Prior to that report, we wanted to re-emphasize – as we know you have received questions on the topic – that VT MAE is fully committed to growth and economic development in the City of Pensacola,” Hafner wrote.
“At VT MAE, we have a diverse workforce that includes many talented local professionals who are instrumental in our operations. While we have been partnering with Pensacola State College to grow the local workforce to meet our skilled labor requirements, we have been complementing our local talent by relying on a group of workers recruited from other countries for roles that have been challenging to fill locally.”
Hafner disputed claims that his company has laid off 300 Chilean workers.
“Currently, fewer than 60 workers have had to leave their positions,” he said. “We are exploring options for these employees and others whose work authorizations are or may be impacted, including offering to support potential new visa applications for eligible impacted employees. This process could take several months because it can involve filings with a variety of federal agencies.”
Hafner added, “VT MAE is offering financial support and travel costs during the visa application process for those who want to pursue the opportunity to be able to potentially return to work at the company.”
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