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Washington, D.C.—The leader of the nation’s largest independent union of federal workers today applauded a key lawmaker for recognizing the many benefits of telework and pressing the head of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) to sit down with the National Treasury Employees Union (NTEU) and negotiate a fair telework program for its employees.

At a hearing earlier today, Rep. Frank Wolf (R-VA), chairman of the Subcommittee on Science, the Departments of State, Justice, and Commerce and Related Activities, cited a statement released by NTEU criticizing ATF for its continuing refusal to negotiate a meaningful telework program.

After more than a year of negotiations with NTEU, ATF put forth a “last and final” telework program that would allow only nine of more than 900 employees to telework. NTEU President Colleen M. Kelley called that proposal an insult to ATF employees. The dispute is now before the Federal Service Impasses Panel.

Wolf said that both he and the subcommittee agree on the value of telework not only for employees, but for the government, taxpayers and the environment. The program increases employee productivity, gives employees more time to spend with their families and is critical given the current spike in gas prices, he said during the meeting on fiscal 2007 appropriations for ATF.

Wolf urged ATF Director Carl J. Truscott to work with NTEU on a telework program, reminding him that in addition to the benefits associated with the program, there is also a congressional mandate to boost the use of telework among federal agencies.

“Our elected officials have a clear understanding of the many benefits of telework, as do the many federal agencies that have broadened their telework opportunities,” NTEU President Colleen M. Kelley said. “And as Congressman Wolf pointed out, private sector companies are increasingly embracing telework as an option for employees. When is ATF going to catch on to this concept?”

Wolf’s comments come just two days after President Kelley wrote to Director Truscott, asking for his assistance on the matter. In the letter, Kelley points to Senate testimony in which Truscott states that ATF “recognizes the many benefits of telework” and is “implementing a Bureau-wide telework program.”

“Unfortunately, there is a disconnect between your testimony describing ATF’s telework policy and the actual policy that ATF intends to implement,” Kelley wrote. She suggested that perhaps someone should investigate whether those responsible for implementing ATF’s telework policy are aware of Truscott’s apparent support for the program. “If so, why is it not reflected in current negotiations?” asked Kelley.

NTEU is the largest independent federal union, representing some 150,000 federal workers in 30 agencies and departments, including approximately 900 ATF employees.