Feds Get 30 Days to Ditch Remote Work

The Office of Personnel Management has given federal agencies a deadline of 30 days to follow President Trump's order to end telework and remote work. This order, issued on Trump's first day in office, caused confusion due to its brevity. Telework and remote work are different, with teleworkers commuting to the office at least twice per pay period, while remote workers do most of their work from home. The acting director of OPM, Charles Ezell, instructed agencies to update their policies by Friday. Employees must work full-time at their duty stations, with exceptions for disabilities or other valid reasons. Agencies have until late February to comply, except for employees under collective bargaining agreements.The State Department is already moving to cancel telework arrangements by March 1, aiming for full in-office attendance. Remote workers must return by July 1, with exceptions for disability accommodations and overseas agreements. During the transition, some business leaders suggested ending telework to encourage federal workers to quit. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer criticized the move, stating it would hurt millions of Americans who rely on federal workers.