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Washington, D.C.—Expanded telework opportunities for federal employees moved an important step forward with Senate approval of legislation designed to help the development across federal agencies of uniform telework policies. The House is expected to take up the Senate version of the legislation later this year.

“This is a very welcome development,” said President Colleen M. Kelley of the National Treasury Employees Union (NTEU), who has long been the leader in pressing for the expansion of telework to all eligible federal employees.

“There is a strong body of evidence that telework benefits both agencies and employees—and for that reason, it benefits taxpayers, as well,” Kelley said.

The bill the Senate approved would require the Office of Personnel Management to compile government-wide data on telework; expand training opportunities for both employees and managers, while strengthening protections against any punitive treatment for those who wish to telework; and take other important steps.

President Kelley applauded, in particular, the bill’s provision calling for additional training on this subject. “The more managers and employees understand telework, the more the advantages become clear,” she said. Managerial indifference—and in some instances, resistance—to telework has slowed its growth among federal agencies.

The Obama administration has endorsed the view that telework has a positive impact on productivity, quality of life and the environment, as well as saving taxpayers’ money by increasing efficiency, reducing federal office space needs and improving employee retention.

The Senate passage follows House and Senate approval earlier this year of slightly different versions of telework legislation.

NTEU is the largest independent federal union, representing 150,000 employees in 31 agencies and departments.