It’s that time of year when some areas have gotten snowfall and others are bracing for their first snowflakes of the season. This may have you wondering how the government makes decisions about its operating status.
In the Washington, D.C., area, the director of the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) makes the final call about whether to close D.C.-area federal offices. The director is aided by a team that factors in weather forecasts, traffic conditions and public transit, and consults with local transportation agencies, governments and school districts. Any changes to the operating status (closings, delayed arrivals or allowing federal employees unscheduled leave and telework) are posted on OPM’s website, mobile app and social media platforms.
Outside of the Washington Capital Beltway, where about 85 percent of federal employees work, Federal Executive Boards (FEB) provide information to local agency heads to assist them in making operating status decisions. There are 28 FEBs located in areas where there are large numbers of federal employees. Ultimately, local agency heads make operating status decisions for their agencies, so employees should check with their agencies regarding the operating status. To learn more about FEBs and visit your region’s FEB site, click here.
NTEU believes the safety of federal employees should always be prioritized when decisions about operating status are being made—and the union is ready and willing to act if necessary. In one instance, NTEU filed grievances and won administrative leave for IRS employees in Philadelphia who were denied administrative leave after treacherous snow and ice kept them from getting to work.