Lawmakers and the Office of Personnel Management have already agreed federal employees impacted by the upcoming Metro station closures should have the opportunity to work remotely. But a labor union wants agencies to go further than that and offer their workers more flexibility.
The National Treasury Employees Union called on agencies May 24 to proactively identify those affected by the disruption and offer them new or expanded telework schedules or temporary modifications to their work schedules.
“It’s ironic that the same administration trying to gut telework in labor contracts is now relying on it to make sure their Washington-area workforce remains productive and effective this summer,” said NTEU National President Tony Reardon on May 24. “Telework and alternative work schedules are not only smart, progressive programs that give employees more flexibility, they are proven to reduce traffic congestion and allow employees to focus more on work and less on their commute.”
The group said it sent letters to multiple agency leaders May 23 to encourage more flexibility for their employees.
“This summer’s disruption to the public transit system in Washington is an ideal time for federal agencies to embrace the benefits of telework and alternative work schedules, which will prove, once again, such programs are good for employees, good for agencies and good for taxpayers,” Reardon said.