Fermilab

Retiree Badging Policy FAQ

Why has Fermilab made a change to the badging policy and how does it impact retirees?

Fermilab is making a change to its badging policy to meet DOE’s expectations related to the evolving security environment. DOE’s expectations are that Fermilab issue badges to individuals who are employees, users or affiliates requiring onsite access to advance the scientific mission of the lab, fulfilling a business requirement, fulfilling a lab subcontractor requirement and/or those individuals residing on site. This means Fermilab will no longer be offering badges to retirees.

Fermilab’s plan not to issue RT badges for retirees does not seem to make sense when a person has worked at the lab for a long period of time. What threat does a retiree pose for the Batavia Site?

Fermilab appreciates that changes in the badging policy may be disappointing for some; however, they are necessary to ensure the lab meets DOE expectations for site security. Fermilab appreciates the work and dedication of the retiree community and hopes that, once the lab opens to the public, our retirees will continue to come to the lab during public access periods, for events and lectures, and during community events such as open houses.

 How will a retiree access the onsite Abri Credit Union?

The ground floor, atrium level and second floors of Wilson Hall, which includes the Abri Credit Union, are not accessible to the public during this time. Retirees should access a different Abri branch.

Since badges are now required for participation in lab-sanctioned, onsite recreation office activities (such as gym and club membership), this change in policy will mean that most retirees are no longer eligible for club membership. What accommodations will be made for retirees to access the User Center?

Club membership is authorized for active FRA badged employees, users, affiliates and immediate family members living in the same household. Retirees that are not part of this group will not have access to club facilities; however, once the lab reopens to the public, they will be able to access the Users Center if escorted by a someone with a badge.

How will retirees enter the Batavia site in the future?

 Retirees may access public areas of the site during public access hours and during events open to the public in accordance with Fermilab policies including the Policy on Access to Fermilab and the Policy on Fermilab Events.

How will retirees access the Abri Credit Union or Human Resources at the Batavia site in the future without a badge?

People who have business with Fermilab HR are considered business visitors and are allowed to access the site as described on the Fermilab website. The ground floor, atrium level and second floor of Wilson Hall, which includes the Abri Credit Union, are not accessible to the public during this time. Retirees should access a different Abri branch.

Fermilab Today announced that only Fermilab scientists will be entitled to retiree badges. If so, why are scientists being given special treatment?

The Policy on Guest Appointment for Retirees allows retiree access for the purpose of advancing the scientific mission of the laboratory, regardless of whether the person is a scientist or not.

Will retirees be able to participate in lab clubs or is the plan to dissolve those groups in the future? Are retirees able to visit the site to walk, hike, visit former co-workers, etc.?

  •  Retirees may access public areas of the site during public access hours and during events open to the public in accordance with Fermilab policies including the Policy on Access to Fermilab and the Policy on Fermilab Events.
  • According to the lab’s Policy on Fermilab Recreation Programs, club membership is authorized for active FRA badged employees, users, affiliates, and immediate family members living in the same household.
  • Access to the site for walking and hiking are governed by the lab’s public hours, and outlined on the Policy on Access to Fermilab.

Are retirees eligible for Guest Access badges?