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Washington, D.C. – The cost-effective policy of allowing certain federal employees to telework would be protected under legislation introduced today and endorsed by the National Treasury Employees Union.

Rep. Gerald Connolly (D-VA) and Rep. John Sarbanes (D-MD) introduced the Telework Metrics and Cost Savings Act to strengthen telework policies at federal agencies by better documenting how telework saves taxpayer money. It would also prevent agencies from rolling back existing telework practices that have resulted in a 22 percent government-wide participation rate.

“Telework is a smart, progressive workplace policy that increases productivity, cuts administrative costs and is frequently cited as a factor in retaining highly trained employees,” said NTEU National President Tony Reardon. “Rep. Connolly and Rep. Sarbanes, who represent thousands of federal employees, know first-hand the value of teleworking and how it improves the quality of life for employees and taxpayers alike, and we applaud their legislation that would help preserve it.”

Like the private sector, the federal government has relied on telework to help qualified employees avoid lengthy commutes and transportation costs while still carrying out their duties. Technological advances have made teleworking even more effective and everyone benefits when telework can shrink the government’s real estate footprint.

“It is unfortunate that this legislation is even necessary,” Reardon said. “This administration wants to take modern workplace policy backward by reducing or eliminating telework. The federal government should be a leader in innovative workplace improvements that lead to better services for the American public, and NTEU has a long record of advocacy for such improvements, including teleworking. We will continue that advocacy in the courtroom, at the bargaining table and on Capitol Hill.”

NTEU represents 150,000 employees at 33 federal agencies and departments.