CDC Halts Remote Work for Disabled Employees: What It Means for Federal Workers

CDC Pauses Remote Work Arrangements for Employees with Disabilities

A union representing Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) workers is accusing the federal agency of jeopardizing accommodations for its disabled employees by ending remote work options. This move has sparked confusion and concern among staff members.

In January, the Office of Personnel Management mandated that federal employees return to the office full-time, with exceptions only for those with disabilities, qualifying medical conditions, or other compelling reasons certified by agency heads and supervisors. However, last month, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), the CDC's parent agency, released an updated telework policy that excludes telework as a reasonable accommodation.

Members of the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE), which represents over 800,000 federal employees, report that the lack of clarity in the revised policy has caused significant confusion. Yolanda Jacobs, president of AFGE Local 2883, stated that disabled employees are left waiting for answers on whether remote work remains a viable accommodation, with discussions happening behind closed doors between CDC leadership and HHS, not involving the employees directly.

A memo obtained by NPR, dated September 16, confirms that the new telework policy no longer includes telework as a reasonable accommodation. The CDC has decided to defer to HHS for guidance and has paused approvals for any pending remote work accommodation requests until further notice. This policy took effect on August 13.

According to the union, approximately 250 emails have been received from disabled employees at the CDC's Atlanta headquarters who fear losing their telework arrangements. These include individuals using wheelchairs or requiring caretakers. The CDC has not provided official figures on how many employees rely on telework as an accommodation.

Employees can continue working remotely until their current arrangements expire, but the uncertainty has led the union to direct members to resources for potential legal action. This situation adds to the turmoil at the CDC, which has recently seen leadership changes, including the firing of director Susan Monarez and resignations of top officials, amid allegations of pressure to fire scientists and pre-approve vaccine recommendations.