In anticipation of a line of severe thunderstorms headed toward the Washington, D.C., region, the Office of Personnel Management has changed the operating status today for the federal government. The federal government will be open, but non-emergency employees in the D.C. area will have the option to take unscheduled leave or unscheduled telework.

Non-emergency employees should contact their supervisor if they plan to take unscheduled leave. The same is true for employees who choose to take unscheduled telework, provided they are telework-ready.

Employees must comply with any of their agency’s policies regarding the use of unscheduled leave or telework.

OPM also said, “subject to any applicable collective bargaining requirements, non-emergency employees have the option to use:

• “earned annual leave, compensatory time off, credit hours, or sick leave, as appropriate;
• “leave without pay; or
• “their flexible work schedule day off or rearrange their work hours under flexible work schedules.”

According to OPM, emergency workers are expected to report on time unless otherwise directed by their agencies.

For updates on the severe showers and thunderstorms expected to hit the D.C. area today, visit our sister station WTOP’s website.

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