getting fired for something

[george]

today at work they let another two people go because they could not keep their security clearences.

the reason they could not keep them is cause of debts they had outstanding. both people were working to pay off the debts (one had made arrangements with the people he owed, the other got a loan from family to pay the people he owed) but they still got sent packing.

our supervisor (a very, very good guy that takes his responsibility as a leader very seriously) was distraught because these firings were not run through our chain of command, but were ordered by homeland security.

this is just the most recent blow, they have let go of people that were close to retirement, extremely valuable (one of a kind technical skills), and all in all good people that have a few flaws, but no real security risks.

and it is happening throughout the federal government. lots of people are losing their jobs, and the worst part of it (to me) is that no one will come out and tell us what criteria are being used for the firings, and if there is any way to save our jobs (as noted these guys today made a point of clearing these debts BEFORE they had any idea they were on a shit list), everyone is horrified because these are very lucrative jobs that require a lot of skill and experience that don't convert to the civillian world.

it is very stressful.

does anyone have an idea of who could help protect our jobs, or at least give us a solid answer as to WHAT we can do to ensure we are suitable to keep our spots?

is there anyone we can protest to that would help? we are unionized, but the union can not do anything cause the whole thing is run by homeland security. i am not talking about striking or anything radical, just a normal way to get the word out and help protect working people from getting the shaft for unknown reasons.