PROTECT OUR GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES

NO MASS LAYOFFS

PROTECT THE RIGHT TO REMOTE WORK

We support government employees opposing mandatory daily office reporting for remote workers. We join them in advocating for flexible work arrangements that respect employees' needs and productivity.

Federal Workers Face Ultimatum: Return to Office or Resign

The Trump administration has issued a sweeping mandate requiring nearly 2 million federal employees to return to in-person work, offering financial incentives for those who choose instead to resign. Under the directive, employees must decide by February 6, 2025, whether to comply or accept a deferred resignation package that allows them to retain pay and benefits until September 30, 2025. The move, announced by the Office of Personnel Management (OPM), has raised concerns about job security and workers' rights.

The Policy Shift
On January 28, 2025, the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) issued a memo outlining the administration's directives to federal employees. The memo emphasized a return to traditional office settings, highlighting four key pillars:

Return to Office: Most federal employees working remotely since the COVID-19 pandemic must return to their physical offices five days a week. The memo also indicates potential consolidation and relocation of physical offices, which could affect many federal workers.

Performance Culture: The administration aims to foster a culture of excellence, updating performance standards to reward high achievers and address underperformance.

Streamlined Workforce: Plans include downsizing through restructurings, realignments, and reductions in force, potentially involving furloughs and reclassification of positions to at-will status.

Enhanced Conduct Standards: There will be stricter standards of suitability and conduct, focusing on reliability, loyalty, and trustworthiness. Unlawful behavior or misconduct will be prioritized for investigation and discipline, including termination.

Growing Pushback
Labor unions argue that the policy violates collective bargaining agreements and could force resignations under duress. Additionally, legal experts warn that employees with disabilities may be entitled to telework accommodations under federal law.

"Rather than undoing decades of progress in workplace policies that have benefited both employees and their employers, I encourage the Trump administration to rethink its approach and focus on what it can do to make government programs work better for the American people." – Everett Kelley, AFGE National President.

While the administration frames the policy as a push for efficiency and accountability, critics see it as a strategy to shrink the federal workforce drastically. As unions and lawmakers debate its implications, the future of federal employment remains uncertain for many.

Deferred Resignation Email to Federal Employees (U.S. Office of Personnel Management, 1-28-25)

Return to In-Person Work (White House, 1-20-25)

Trump Directive Restricting Federal Employee Telework Will Undermine Government’s Effectiveness, Union Says (AFGE, 1-20-25)

Federal Unions Challenge Trump’s Plan to Slash Workforce and End Telework

In light of recent proposals by President-elect Donald Trump to reduce the federal workforce by 75% and enforce mandatory daily office attendance, federal employee unions have expressed strong opposition. The plan involves creating the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy, aiming to streamline government operations through mass layoffs and eliminating telework options.

American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) President Everett Kelley argues that such drastic cuts would severely undermine the government's ability to serve the public effectively. He emphasizes that federal workers are crucial in various sectors, including healthcare, national security, and public safety. Kelley contends that eliminating telework options could lead to decreased productivity and morale, ultimately affecting the efficiency of government operations." First of all, when you say you want to cut them without further analyzing and see what our government really needs, I think is misguided. I welcome an opportunity to sit down and talk about how we can make the government more efficient. To think that you can take the federal employees inside of D.C. and send them out into the States to work, well, guess what? Only 15% of federal employees work inside of D.C. They're already dispersed throughout the United States. I just think that they need to educate themselves on what federal employees really do and where they are located," said Kelley to C-SPAN on November 22, 2024.

Similarly, the National Treasury Employees Union (NTEU) has raised concerns about the proposed workforce reductions and the push for mandatory in-office attendance. NTEU National President Doreen Greenwald highlights that telework has been a crucial flexibility for federal employees, enhancing productivity and job satisfaction. She emphasizes that any changes to telework policies should involve input from the workforce and consider the potential impact on service delivery to citizens. "Frontline employees know best how to get their job done and where it's best to do that," Greenwald stated in a still relevant interview from September 2023.

Federal agencies advocating for reduced telework often cite performance tracking, accountability, and collaboration concerns. They argue that bringing workers back into the office will improve supervision and teamwork. However, AFGE contends that modern technology enables effective remote supervision and collaboration. With the government investing in tools for video conferencing, project management, and secure communication, AFGE maintains that productivity remains strong, even outside traditional office environments.

Moreover, research has shown that telework reduces absenteeism, as employees are more likely to work when mildly ill or dealing with personal obligations from the comfort of their homes. This continuity prevents delays in critical projects and maintains workflow momentum. By reducing overhead costs such as office space and utilities, agencies can redirect resources towards other operational needs, further enhancing overall efficiency. These efficiency gains from telework are a central part of AFGE's argument. Employees who work from home are more satisfied and experience fewer distractions, leading to better focus on tasks.

AFGE and NTEU are preparing to challenge these proposals, advocating for protecting federal employees' rights and preserving essential public services. They call for a more measured approach to government reform that involves input from the workforce and considers the potential impact on service delivery to citizens.

As the incoming administration prepares to implement its agenda, the debate over the size and scope of the federal workforce is poised to become a central issue. Stakeholders, including labor unions, policymakers, and the public, will play significant roles in shaping the future of federal employment and ensuring that government operations meet the nation's needs.