Tag

Telework

All articles tagged with #telework

Newsom Vetoes AB 1729, Rejecting Flexible Telework for State Employees
politics28 days ago

Newsom Vetoes AB 1729, Rejecting Flexible Telework for State Employees

Gov. Gavin Newsom vetoed Assembly Bill 1729 on September 18, 2026, rejecting a measure that would have allowed state agencies to set their own telework policies. The bill, which passed the legislature unanimously, aimed to replace the governor's four-day-a-week return-to-office mandate with a system requiring agencies to justify in-person requirements. Newsom argued that in-person collaboration is essential and that the bill incorrectly made telework the default. The veto intensifies tensions with SEIU Local 1000, the largest state worker union, which is currently negotiating contracts and has authorized a potential strike over pay and remote work issues.

Newsom Vets Telework Bill, Defends In-Office Mandate Amid Union Strike Threats
politics28 days ago

Newsom Vets Telework Bill, Defends In-Office Mandate Amid Union Strike Threats

Gov. Gavin Newsom vetoed Assembly Bill 1729, which would have allowed state agencies to set their own telework policies and required written justifications for in-office mandates. The veto preserves the current four-day-a-week return-to-office rule for state employees, effective since July 2026. Newsom argued that in-person collaboration is essential for productivity, while supporters cited a 2025 audit showing potential annual savings of $225 million. The veto occurs as SEIU Local 1000, representing 100,000 workers, considers a strike authorization vote over pay and remote work disputes.

CFPB’s DC Office Move Triggers Fears of Mass Departures
politics4 months ago

CFPB’s DC Office Move Triggers Fears of Mass Departures

The CFPB is rolling out a four-part return-to-office plan that moves operations to a new Southwest Washington, DC office, with roughly 650 staff within 50 miles required to report by July 13 and the remaining 450 by Aug 31; the new site has space for about 550, raising fears of mass resignations or terminations and prompting union opposition and court scrutiny as litigation by the NTEU and others unfolds.

CT Closes Executive Offices as Winter Storm Clamps Down
government7 months ago

CT Closes Executive Offices as Winter Storm Clamps Down

Gov. Lamont ordered Connecticut's executive-branch offices closed to the public on Monday due to a major winter storm. Level 1 staff should work as scheduled, while Level 2 staff should telework or use accrued leave, with telework encouraged for those normally in-person. The State Emergency Operations Center and regional offices are activated to coordinate response; decisions for judicial/legislative branches remain with their leaders. Emergency alerts and CTPrepares resources are available for ongoing updates.

Musk and Ramaswamy Challenge Federal Remote Work Policies Amid Budget Concerns
politics1 year ago

Musk and Ramaswamy Challenge Federal Remote Work Policies Amid Budget Concerns

The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy, is focusing on reducing government spending by targeting telework policies and IT modernization. They propose tying telework eligibility to performance, relocating federal employees from Washington, D.C., and selling underutilized office buildings. The DOGE initiative, supported by a new Senate caucus, aims to improve government efficiency through executive actions and potential legislation, such as the proposed "DOGE Act" to freeze federal hiring and establish a merit-based salary system.

politics1 year ago

Senate DOGE Caucus Targets Federal Telework Practices in First Meeting

The Senate DOGE caucus, led by Sen. Joni Ernst, is focusing on limiting telework and reforming government office use in its first meeting. Ernst's report suggests relocating federal employees, consolidating office space, and increasing transparency in government operations. The caucus aligns with the broader DOGE mission, led by Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy, to reduce federal government size, though its authority is unclear. Congressional Republicans are generally supportive, but the proposals may face challenges in implementation.

OPM Defends Telework, Opposes Schedule F Amid Oversight Criticism
government-policy2 years ago

OPM Defends Telework, Opposes Schedule F Amid Oversight Criticism

The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) is defending a new rule to prevent the return of Schedule F, a Trump-era policy that made it easier to fire career federal employees in policymaking positions. Acting OPM Director Rob Shriver argued that Schedule F would undermine civil service protections and deter qualified individuals from joining the federal workforce. Democrats are pushing to codify the rule into law, while Republicans argue that Schedule F would prevent federal employees from undermining administration policies. Additionally, OPM is supporting telework amid a push for federal employees to return to the office, noting that federal workers are returning faster than the private sector.

Senate Introduces Bill to Enhance Federal Telework and Support Military Spouses in Remote Jobs
government3 years ago

Senate Introduces Bill to Enhance Federal Telework and Support Military Spouses in Remote Jobs

Senators James Lankford and Kyrsten Sinema have introduced the Telework Reform Act, which aims to establish definitions for telework and remote work for federal employees and promote management, accountability, and transparency. The bill would require teleworking federal employees to report to the office at least twice per two-week pay period and mandate agencies to report to Congress on the potential value, cost savings, and productivity outcomes of increased remote work. It also emphasizes the role of data in federal telework and requires agencies to offer training on reporting and eligibility requirements. The legislation would set annual renewal requirements for telework agreements and expand remote job opportunities for military and law enforcement spouses. The bill differs from previous legislation that aimed to scale back telework opportunities.

SF Federal Building Implements Work-From-Home Policy Amid Crime Concerns
crimesafety3 years ago

SF Federal Building Implements Work-From-Home Policy Amid Crime Concerns

Workers at San Francisco's Federal Building on 7th and Mission streets have been advised to work from home due to safety concerns over crime. The Department of Health and Human Services issued a memo calling for employees to maximize telework, and former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has expressed safety concerns for her staff. The area around the building has a history of drug use and sales, and the ongoing fentanyl crisis has prompted increased law enforcement presence. The crime and drug problems have impacted retail corridors, leading to closures and declining sales. Despite this, IKEA has announced plans to open its first San Francisco store in the Mid-Market corridor.

The Productivity Boost: Remote Employees Outperform in Work Ethic
workforce3 years ago

The Productivity Boost: Remote Employees Outperform in Work Ethic

Studies show that remote and hybrid employees tend to work longer hours than their office-bound counterparts, with a 10% boost in weekly hours reported among remote workers. The increase in productivity can be attributed to factors such as reduced commuting time and the motivation to maintain the privilege of working from home. While concerns about some employees doing too little work or engaging in remote work moonlighting exist, the majority of remote workers have proven to be responsible and productive. Remote work has reshaped the American workplace, with nearly 30% of work happening at home in the first half of 2022. However, collaborative work may be more challenging in a remote setting, leading to a shift towards asynchronous communication. Overall, remote work has become a highly preferred employment perk, with only a small percentage of workers desiring to work on-site every day.

Canada and striking federal workers reach deal to end PSAC strike.
business3 years ago

Canada and striking federal workers reach deal to end PSAC strike.

Canada has reached a deal with 120,000 striking federal workers, ending one of the largest public-sector work stoppages in the country's history. However, 35,000 employees at the Canada Revenue Agency remain on strike, demanding better pay and telework flexibility. The Public Service Alliance of Canada union said it had secured a 12.6% wage increase over the four-year contract period and new protections for teleworking. The remaining striking workers are seeking language in their collective agreement to allow for telework arrangements, pay that addresses cost of living and inflationary pressures, and more job safety provisions.

Biden Administration Pushes for More In-Person Work for Federal Employees
politics3 years ago

Biden Administration Pushes for More In-Person Work for Federal Employees

The Biden administration has instructed federal agencies to increase "meaningful" in-person work and return more employees to the office while continuing to allow telework when it does not hurt the agency's mission. The move comes amid heavy criticism from Republicans and D.C. Mayor Muriel E. Bowser, who have urged the president to return federal workers to the office. However, federal unions have pressed to keep teleworking guarantees because most D.C. workers with remote access prefer to continue working from home. The new directive leaves agencies with wiggle room to continue letting their staffs work from home, but it also hints that productivity from teleworking staffs is now a priority.