AFGE Endorses OPM's New Telework Policy

Employees Will Be Eligible for Unscheduled Telework During Weather Emergencies

WASHINGTON, Dec. 15, 2010 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) has endorsed the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) policy that allows federal employees to telework on an unscheduled basis when severe weather conditions or other circumstances prevent employees from reporting to work in the Washington D.C. area. With this new policy, employees can continue to perform their job functions to keep the government running without being tied to their office. In utilizing the telework program, employees are able to fulfill their work responsibilities and avoid using annual leave in the event OPM announces delayed arrivals, early dismissals, or when government offices are closed to the public.

"During last winter's major snow storms many of our members continued to work from home and the business of the government kept humming despite the closure of D.C. offices for five days," said AFGE National President John Gage. "We have continued to push OPM to provide additional opportunities for more workers to have this flexibility."

Many federal agencies are being directed to include this telework option in their operating plans. AFGE has worked closely with OPM to draft policies that will allow employees to telework regularly throughout the year, and not just during emergencies. Telework is an effective workplace policy that increases productivity and provides greater flexibility in performing the duties of the government, particularly if workers are not able to commute to the office. The cost savings and other benefits of the telework program will undoubtedly be a good deal for employees, management and the public.

AFGE applauds the implementation of the telework policy in the Washington, D.C. area and will continue to push hard for expanded telework opportunities in federal agencies across the country.

The American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) is the largest federal employee union, representing 600,000 workers in the federal government and the government of the District of Columbia.

SOURCE American Federation of Government Employees