Senator Questions Agencies on Safe Return to the Workplace

A key lawmaker is urging agencies to release details of their plans for reopening and sending employees back to workplaces. Sen. Gary Peters (D-MI), the ranking member of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, sent a letter to 24 federal agencies asking for their contingency plans and steps for providing health and safety guidance and personal protective equipment to workers. Peters questioned the extent to which agencies consulted with employee representatives, how agencies will address local spikes in coronavirus cases, and how they plan to protect employees who must interact with the public during the pandemic.

NTEU applauds Senator Peters and other members of Congress conducting oversight on agency return plans, especially as more agencies begin the process of returning employees to workspaces while the number of COVID-19 cases continues to rise.