Summary:
OPM sets a 30-day deadline for agencies to end telework as per Trump's directive.
Confusion arises over the differences between telework and remote work.
Exceptions for disabilities and compelling reasons are included in the new policy.
The State Department moves quickly to enforce in-office attendance.
Political figures express concern over the impact of ending telework on federal services.
OPM's New Directive
The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) has set a 30-day deadline for federal agencies to comply with President Trump’s memo which mandates the end of telework and remote work.
On his first day in office, Trump issued a 65-word memo requiring a full-time return to in-person work. However, this directive led to confusion about the differences between telework and remote work. Telework involves commuting to the office at least twice per pay period, while remote work typically means working from home without regular office visits.
Lack of Clarity
Max Stier, president of the Partnership for Public Service, expressed concerns about the clarity of the order, stating, “It’s a very short EO that just doesn’t offer many answers.”
Compliance and Exceptions
In a follow-up memo, Acting OPM Director Charles Ezell instructed agencies to revise their telework policies by 5 p.m. Friday to indicate that employees must work full-time at their duty stations. Exceptions are made for employees with disabilities or other compelling reasons certified by their supervisor. Employees are expected to comply fully within 30 days, with notable exceptions for those covered by collective bargaining agreements.
State Department's Response
The State Department has already begun implementing this order, aiming for 100% in-office attendance. They plan to cancel all existing telework agreements by March 1, and remote workers must return to the office by July 1.
Future of Telework Programs
While the new policy allows for exceptions for employees with disabilities and maintains certain agreements for domestic employees working overseas, it raises concerns about the future of the Domestic Employee Teleworking Overseas (DETO) program, which has been crucial for military spouses.
Political Reactions
During the presidential transition, figures like Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy advocated for ending telework, suggesting it would encourage federal employees to leave their jobs. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer criticized the directive, arguing that eliminating telework could negatively impact millions of Americans reliant on federal services.
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