Almost 1,000 temporary and contract workers were laid off in 2018 year from Red River Army Depot.
In March, Red River Army Depot announced its first round of layoffs for the calendar year, claiming 600 jobs because of decreasing workload requirements.
When March's layoffs were announced, officials believed another round of layoffs were likely in the summer.
The first layoffs, which began in May, affected the contractor, temporary and workforce categories.
These reductions were due to workload decreases of approximately 1.3 million direct labor hours compared to the previous year, according to a RRAD press release.
The affected workers included employees supporting major production, inspection and support areas across the depot. These reductions were based on current workload projections and budget submissions.
The Machinists Union objected to the layoffs in a news release. They said the jobs eliminated would have a great impact on both the local economy and the ability of RRAD to accomplish its mission.
The second round of layoffs began in August and affected government, contract and term employees.
Mark Harvey, president of International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers Local Lodge 1243, cited a study from the University of Arkansas on the potential impact of the layoffs.
"I expect it to have a much greater impact than we even know. We have already lost countless number of people that have had to pick up and move their families to different places just so they can make a living. But then you also have people that can't afford to pick up and move because they have loved ones in their families with special needs and their support system is here. The study shows that the financial impact on the area will be substantial for all businesses, but I think it's especially going to hurt local, hometown businesses," he said.
Harvey said he realized the workload is down and the command has to make decisions. Yet, once skilled labor is gone, it can be difficult to regain it when needed, he said.
However, should RRAD acquire new missions, the union stands ready.
The National Federation of Federal Employees and International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers had letters going to lawmakers from Texas, Arkansas and other states to try to stop the layoffs.
The campaign focused on getting a response from political leaders. Later, the union announced that Texas Gov. Greg Abbott had responded by writing a letter to Dr. Mark T. Esper, Secretary of the Army. He emphasized how much the depot does and the expertise available there to support the Army's mission.
Abbott mentioned the wide range of tracked and wheeled vehicles RRAD has the sole mission of rebuilding and maintaining, including the Bradley. Because of RRAD's decades of experience working on the Bradley, it is the ideal post for the Armored Multi-Purpose Vehicle, which the Army will use in the future.
"RRAD would be the most effective option and the most efficient use of taxpayer resources," he said.
In addition, Abbott talked about the community coming together to increase the efficiency and utility of RRAD.
RRAD was activated in 1941 and was on the 1995 and 2005 Base Realignment and Closure lists.
Red River Army Depot is located west of Texarkana, between Hooks and New Boston, Texas.
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