Federal teleworkers - are you working?

[Anonymous]

We got conflicting guidance between our flexiplace agreement and the master agreement. I dont know what to do!

[Anonymous]

We can't work unless we have child care. Kids' school is closed so I'm not working.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We can't work unless we have child care. Kids' school is closed so I'm not working.

Are you taking leave though?

[Anonymous]

Aren't there are 2 types of agreement: (1) It is based on whether you are scheduled to telework on the day the govt is closed, or (2) whether you must telework even when the govt is closed (eg people who telework 40 hours a week).

I agree it is confusing, especially when schools and daycares are closed!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Aren't there are 2 types of agreement: (1) It is based on whether you are scheduled to telework on the day the govt is closed, or (2) whether you must telework even when the govt is closed (eg people who telework 40 hours a week).

I agree it is confusing, especially when schools and daycares are closed!

We got 3 emails from our bosses.

First email: no work if gov is closed as per telework agreement (which differs from OPM guidance)
Second email: ignore first email follow OPM guidance
Third email: OPM guidance per Master Agreement says flexiplacers work if the reason for the gov closing is dangerous travel

OPM guidance: Emergency and telework-ready employees required to work must follow their agency's policies, including written telework agreements.

[Anonymous]

Isn't one effect of teleworking is that weather events are immaterial? are you just looking for an excuse to work?

I get the kids thing, but if they're out, you should take your vacation time.

[Anonymous]

You can always just turn on your computer and leave it up all day to check E-Mail and make sure you're not falling behind. No one will be at work, anyway.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:You can always just turn on your computer and leave it up all day to check E-Mail and make sure you're not falling behind. No one will be at work, anyway.

Setting aside the laziness embedded in this statement for a moment, it's not snowing elsewhere in the country. Aren't federal agencies, well, federal?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Isn't one effect of teleworking is that weather events are immaterial? are you just looking for an excuse to work?

I get the kids thing, but if they're out, you should take your vacation time.

If OPM is closed, taking vacation time is pretty ridiculous unless you are scheduled to telework or you work from home all of the time. For an adhoc agreement, you wouldn't take leave. In any case, I do think that your work should tell you what to do when you get back and if you don't want to take leave you should just keep your computer handy and do what you can.

[Anonymous]

If I were a manager trying to decide who to furlough, I'd be paying close attention to who was responsive today.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:You can always just turn on your computer and leave it up all day to check E-Mail and make sure you're not falling behind. No one will be at work, anyway.

If only it was that easy. I have to account for an 8-9 hr day and put it on some sort of assignment. Considering most of our assignments are 4-15 hrs, its very difficult to hide a full day of work.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:You can always just turn on your computer and leave it up all day to check E-Mail and make sure you're not falling behind. No one will be at work, anyway.

If only it was that easy. I have to account for an 8-9 hr day and put it on some sort of assignment. Considering most of our assignments are 4-15 hrs, its very difficult to hide a full day of work.

+1

It's snowing here just like downtown - so I am affected by this particular emergency. And I have a 1 yr old here with no childcare, so I have definitely been "affected" by this emergency and am therefore not able to work = excused absence, case by case basis (albeit my boss could deny my request, but dont think she will).

[Anonymous]

We can only telework on preapproved days, so no.

[Anonymous]

Yes. Our department has clarified its policy and stated that anyone who has an episodic telework agreement (which is everyone as they are required) must telework today. If you need to be off you need to take vacation time.

[Anonymous]

My department doesn't allow regular telework, only situational I.e. sporadic. But if you sign the telework agreement, then if the government is closed you have to telework or take leave. Which I would be fine with except I have a 3 year old and if the gov is closed, then daycare is closed too so I can't telework. So I'm not signing the telework agreement. Which sucks because I'd love to be able to telework sometimes.