SUMMARY:  NTEU-supported legislation regarding telework has been introduced in the House of Representatives.

Representatives Gerry Connolly (D-VA) and John Sarbanes (D-MD) have introduced the Telework Metrics and Cost Savings Act (HR 7951).  This bill seeks to strengthen and expand the federal government’s telework programs, especially in light of the lessons learned during the recent pandemic. 

The pandemic has shown that telework not only ensures continuity of government operations, but also enhances employee productivity, morale and retention.  This new legislation builds on the Telework Enhancement Act that was passed by Congress over ten years ago with NTEU support.  The new legislation will develop standards for the collection of federal agency data on telework, help develop supervisor and manager training on telework, and track cost savings achieved through the expansion of telework.  It also modifies a provision that made employees with AWOL issues permanently ineligible for telework, instead only making them ineligible for telework for five years. 

I believe the data collection included in this bill will be particularly helpful to our NTEU negotiating teams as we push for robust programs in our collective bargaining agreements.  I will keep you updated on any developments.