The Tennessee Valley Authority has rescinded its decision to lay off information technology workers and outsource their work as part of the restructuring process announced in June.

Interim TVA Board Chair John Ryder and TVA President and CEO Jeff Lyash met Thursday with White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows and White House Counsel Pat Cipollone. Discussions included agreement on a shared desire to preserve and grow U.S. jobs.

“We had a positive meeting with the White House and wholeheartedly agree with the administration’s direction on jobs,” said Ryder. “We expressed that our IT restructuring process was faulty and that we have changed direction so that we can ensure American jobs are protected.”

Lyash said the federal agency was wrong in the impact the layoffs would have on its employees during the coronavirus pandemic.

“We were wrong in not fully understanding the impact on our employees, especially during the pandemic,” he said.
“We are taking immediate actions to address this situation. TVA fully understands and supports the administration’s commitment to preserving and growing American jobs.

“TVA will not lose sight of any facet of TVA’s mission of service – providing low-cost, reliable power while also serving to protect American jobs and create economic development across the Tennessee Valley.”

In addition to rescinding all IT organization involuntary Reduction-in-Force notices that occurred in 2020this year, TVA is also reviewing the full scope of contract companies supporting TVA to ensure compliance with the president’s Executive Order on H-1B workers, ensuring that American employees have good opportunities throughout TVA’s employment and supply chain practices.

“TVA has a long legacy of service to the 10 million people across seven states,” said Lyash. “Our mission is clear – delivering low-cost reliable power, economic development and environmental stewardship.

“We are addressing this disappointing misstep and refocusing our commitment on serving our customers and this nation.”