SPSE was formed on May 23, 1973, in response to negative management policies during the 1970s. During that period, a series of layoffs that seemed based on arbitrary and unfair criteria were held to the detriment of the Laboratory.

SPSE was formed to address these and other concerns of professionals at LLNL (see the SPSE Position Paper, 1976, written by then president, Suzanne York). Typically, an individual is hard pressed to effect change, but an active member in a strong group can be a powerful force in deciding and instituting change.

Background information from Dick White is available.