In preparation for the anticipated return of employees to their workplaces, NTEU continues to raise concerns and issues faced by frontline EPA employees during the coronavirus pandemic. We want to assure employees required to return to their worksites the safest possible return, while continuing to ensure teleworking employees have the support and equipment they need to effectively perform their jobs remotely.
Read MoreNational Capital Leaders Urge Continued Telework for Federal Employees
The governors of Maryland and Virginia and the mayor of Washington, D.C., sent a letter last week to the administration, urging the continuance of expanded telework policies for the federal workforce amid the coronavirus pandemic.
While the majority of federal employees are outside of Washington, D.C., the federal government has an overwhelming presence in the area.
Read MoreNTEU Demands Protections Before Reopening Federal Buildings
On April 27th, the National Treasury Employees Union released the health and safety conditions that must be met before federal employees are required to return to the workplace. “Most federal employees have never missed a beat during this pandemic, either successfully teleworking from home or continuing to report to duty because their job is not eligible for telework,” Reardon said. “But before those away from the office are required to return, NTEU will insist that some basic steps be taken to reduce the risks to their health and well-being.”
Read MoreOPM Guidance on Emergency Sick Leave
OPM has published additional, detailed guidance on the use of emergency sick leave granted by the Families First Corona Virus Response Act. By clicking here, you can access the more detailed guidance from OPM on the availability and use of the additional 80 hours of emergency sick leave authorized under the FFCRA.
Read MoreIncreased Telework Options for EPA Employees During Coronavirus Pandemic
Today, in part in response to feedback from EPA union representatives including NTEU Chapter 280, EPA's Office of Mission Support (OMS) announced that it has waived several of the existing limitations on flexible work schedules to increase the options available to EPA employees working from home during the coronavirus pandemic.
Read MoreTelework Bill Introduced in the House and Senate
Last week, Representative Gerry Connolly reintroduced a bill (H.R. 6108) that would protect existing employee telework arrangements and encourage agencies to expand telework. The bill also provides a procedure that agencies must follow to justify any proposed reductions in telework and requires agencies to submit a report on the cost savings they achieve from telework. Senators Mazie Hirono (D-HI) and Benjamin Cardin (D-MD) introduced a companion bill (S. 3428) today in the Senate.
Read MoreDC Declares a State of Emergency over Coronavirus
Today, at approximately 4:30 PM, DC declared a state of emergency and a public health emergency and recommended that “non-essential mass gatherings, including conferences and conventions” be postponed or canceled. Mass gatherings are defined as events with 1,000 or more people in one location. These declarations allow Mayor Bowser to make use of a broader array of authorities to prevent further spread of COVID-19.
Read MoreNTEU Launches Coronavirus Webpage
The ongoing outbreak of coronavirus has understandably raised many questions and concerns for federal employees. NTEU, on your behalf, is pursuing answers. Just last week, the union launched a special section on the NTEU website that will be constantly updated with the latest information about your workplace safety.
Read More