weather and safety leave

Customs and Border Protection said it rescinded weather and safety leave schedules for some officers to prepare for a potential influx of migrants at the southern border who might carry the virus. But the National Treasury Employees Union said the decision puts CBP officers at unnecessary risk at time when border traffic is down.

House Oversight and Reform Committee Chairwoman Carolyn Maloney (D-N.Y.) and Government Operations Subcommittee Chairman Gerry Connolly (D-Va.) have a long list of legislative proposals they want to see included in the next coronavirus rescue package for federal employees and contractors.

The Department of Veterans Affairs flatly disputed claims the American Federation of Government Employees made in an unsafe work complaint to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration.

At least one agency has issued an “evacuation order” for its employees to work from home during the coronavirus pandemic, regardless of their previous telework arrangements. Federal News Network explains evacuation payment authority and what it could mean for you.

Federal News Network has heard from many federal employees this week, many of whom say they’re still coming into the office for work, even as state governors close schools, restaurants, bars and most other businesses due to the coronavirus pandemic.

IRS Commissioner Chuck Rettig instructed eligible employees to telework and gave customer service workers more freedom than they’ve ever had before. But the commissioner’s guidance has prompted confusion among risk-adverse IRS managers, who aren’t accustomed to making their own decisions.

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 latest guidance from the Trump administration comes as the Smithsonian Institution and the National Archives and Records Administration close museums, research rooms and presidential libraries due to coronavirus concerns. NARA public events are also canceled through May 3.

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.