Hubbard Radio Washington DC, LLC. All rights reserved. This website is not intended for users located within the European Economic Area.
The American Federation of Government Employees and the Kalijarvi, Chuzi, Newman & Fitch law firm say employees working through the coronavirus pandemic without the proper protective gear are entitled to hazardous duty pay.
At least 40% of employees at the Department of Veterans Affairs could be absent at any one time during a severe coronavirus outbreak, the agency estimated. VA's inspector general and employee unions have also expressed concerns with staffing and supply shortages.
Essential employees? Yes, to do the work. But important employees? I guess not.
Social Security Administrator Andrew Saul told employees Saturday he would further expand telework across the agency amid growing concerns over the coronavirus pandemic.
The National Treasury Employees Union had argued it was unconstitutional for the IRS to force tens of thousands of workers to process tax refunds without pay. The union is appealing the decision.
The Office of Personnel Management also announced an operating status change for the national capital region. Federal offices are open but with maximum telework flexibilities for eligible employees.
The two largest federal employee unions said Thursday steps to protect the federal workforce from the rapid spread of the coronavirus were falling short.
Other agencies, such as the Social Security Administration and the Environmental Protection Agency, have loosened telework restrictions and announced unscheduled remote options for federal employees at regional offices in Seattle, Washington, and New York.
The Office of Personnel Management has more guidance on telework, sick leave and other options as agencies prepare their workforces for the growing spread of the coronavirus.
The largest federal employee union is also urging the Office of Personnel Management to allow all telework-eligible workers to begin immediately working remotely.
New telework schedules and policies went into effect for employees at the Social Security Administration this week. But the agency shows no signs of easing those policies amid growing concern over the spread of coronavirus.
Lobotomizing of federal telework programs could be happening for a couple of reasons but the coronavirus is presenting a new test of that trend.
J. David Cox, the national president of the largest federal employee union, has resigned amid a months-long sexual harassment investigation.
The White House's proposal would eliminate a long-time benefit which provides “gap” payments to employees, like federal firefighters, forced to retire as early as age 57.