House to Vote on COVID-19 Relief with Federal Employee Provisions

The House is expected to vote this week on the Senate version of the COVID-19 relief package, which retains an NTEU-supported provision giving federal employees up to 15 weeks of emergency paid leave.

The bill would grant up to 600 hours of paid leave—capped at $1,400 per week—for federal employees who are exposed to or contract COVID-19, are caring for a family member who has been exposed or diagnosed with COVID-19, or are unable to work for pandemic-related reasons. The additional leave, which could also be used to obtain a COVID-19 vaccine or recover from symptoms related to it, would be available through Sept. 30.

Another provision presumes public-facing federal employees who contract COVID-19 to have a work-related illness for purposes of eligibility for workers compensation.

The Senate version of the bill includes additional funding NTEU is supporting for the IRS and Food and Drug Administration.

Once the House passes the legislation, it will go to President Biden who indicated he will sign it immediately.