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.

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.

American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE)

AFGE Council 100: TSA Employees

AFGE Council 220: SSA Employees

AFGE COUNCIL 222: HUD Employees

AFGE Council 238: EPA Employees

AFGE National VA Council: VA Federal Employees

The National Treasury Employees Union (NTEU)

AFGE President Kelley Pushes Back Against Musk/Ramaswamy’s Plan to Cut 75% of Federal Workforce (AFGE, 12-02-24)

Government workers on the prospect of DOGE-fueled layoffs: 'It kind of feels like we're being villainized' (Business Insider, 11-27-24)

Everett Kelley on the Future of the Federal Workforce (C-SPAN, 11-22-24)

US federal workers hope Republicans will curb Trump, Musk firings (Reuters, 11-19-24)

Trump Wants to Shrink the Federal Workforce. Courts and Congress Will Get in the Way (Barrons, 11-13-24)

Federal workers prepare for cuts, forced relocations in Trump’s second term (The Washington Post, 11-07-24)

NTEU Opposes Treasury Telework Directive PDF (National Treasury Employees Union, 2024)

Telework and Schedule F are top of mind for NTEU’s new national president (Federal News Network, 9-18-23)