Home FNS Telework/Remote Work Language

FNS Telework/Remote Work Language

Below, NTEU offers sample language you can use to request a telework schedule after the official return to the office:

For those who will want to continue working from home full-time as you have been doing since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, NTEU recommends that you utilize Article 20, Section 20.07(2) of the 2014 FNS-NTEU National Agreement, which provides:

In limited circumstances and upon employee request, the Employer may permit an employee to work exclusively at a home-based or alternative work location on a case-by-case basis. Such requests will not be unreasonably denied; however, the Employer may require the employee to provide documentation as to the need for this arrangement, and the Employer need only approve such requests if in the agency’s business interests. Employees currently teleworking full-time will remain on full-time telework subject to execution of a Telework Agreement, and like all employees, subject to reassignment, so long as such reassignment is conducted in accordance with Article 14 of this Agreement.

Below is sample language you can use to email your manager:

In accordance with Article 20, Section 20.07(2) of the FNS-NTEU National Agreement, I request a continuation of full-time telework once the office is reopened.  As you know, I have been successfully working exclusively at my home for over two years, since the Agency closed my office at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic.  I am also aware that the Agency has agreed to expand employee options for remote/full-time telework in the new National Agreement. I look forward to our meeting to discuss and review my request within 10 workdays (per Section 20.05(1) of the National Agreement), and your positive decision within 10 workdays after our meeting. 

For those who will want to telework four days per week, below is suggested language you can use to put your manager on notice about the telework agreement you want.

It is my understanding that NTEU and FNS have agreed to expanded telework as part of bargaining a new term agreement. It is also my understanding that NTEU is trying to get FNS to move that language forward quickly so employees can take advantage of these new opportunities when they are called back to their offices.

This email lets you know that I plan to request a telework agreement of four (4) days per week. I will make this request formal when the bargained language is in place, but I wanted to provide you with early notice of my intention.

I hope FNS takes note of the desire of employees to work expanded telework or remote work and moves swiftly to finalize this language.

Thank you.

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