Latest news with #TeleworkEnhancementActof2010
Yahoo
24-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Musk Vows to Suspend Federal Workers Who Don't Return to Office
(Bloomberg) -- Elon Musk threatened to suspend federal workers who haven't returned to in-office work by this week, the latest demand of government employees from the billionaire running President Donald Trump's cost-cutting effort. Trump Targets $128 Billion California High-Speed Rail Project Trump Asserts Power Over NYC, Proclaims 'Long Live the King' Trump to Halt NY Congestion Pricing by Terminating Approval Airbnb Billionaire Offers Pre-Fab Homes for LA Fire Victims NYC's Congestion Pricing Pulls In $48.6 Million in First Month 'Those who ignored President Trump's executive order to return to work have now received over a month's warning,' Musk said in a post Monday. 'Starting this week, those who still fail to return to office will be placed on administrative leave.' Trump on his first day in office ordered all heads of departments and agencies to 'take all necessary steps to terminate remote work arrangements,' and require all employees to return in-person to their offices. The Office of Personnel Management did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Monday about Musk's post and what, if any, communication federal workers could expect about return to office policies. Trump's mandate creates some exceptions for those with a 'disability, qualifying medical condition, or other compelling reason certified by the agency head.' Military spouses working civilian jobs are also exempt. Musk's missive follows a directive sent over the weekend asking all federal employees to reply to an email detailing what they accomplished last week in five bullet points. Musk said on X that failure to answer the request would signal a resignation, though OPM has said it's up to agency heads to determine any next steps. Some agencies, including the FBI and Department of Defense, instructed workers to not reply to the email. Earlier: Musk's Federal Worker Order Divides Trump Administration Data from the Office of Management and Budget show that about 10% of the workforce is permanently remote — including disabled workers with a documented accommodation, military spouses and those where the nature of the work is mobile. Federal telework guidelines long predate the national emergency that Trump declared in March 2020 during the Covid-19 pandemic. Under the Telework Enhancement Act of 2010, agencies were required to adopt remote work policies that encouraged many employees to work from home. Many unions also have agreements in place for remote work, which could complicate Trump's orders for employees to come to offices. The White House has signaled the return to office mandate could lead to significant reductions in the federal workforce. 'We think a very substantial number of people will not show up to work, and therefore our government will get smaller and more efficient,' Trump said last month. 'And that's what we've been looking to do for many, many decades, frankly.' Since then federal employees had also been offered buyout plans that promised they would get paid through September if they left in February. About 75,000 workers took the deferred resignation deal, according to OPM. --With assistance from Gregory Korte. Walmart Wants to Be Something for Everyone in a Divided America Meet Seven of America's Top Personal Finance Influencers Can Dr. Phil's Streaming Makeover Find an Audience in the MAGA Era? How Med Spas Conquered America Why Private Equity Is Eyeing Your Nest Egg ©2025 Bloomberg L.P.
Yahoo
29-01-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Alaska's delegation can protect federal workers and critical funding
The east entrance of the federal building holding the U.S. courthouse is seen on July 8, 2024. (Photo by Yereth Rosen/Alaska Beacon) Recent executive actions affecting the federal workforce are disrupting Alaskan jobs and funding. Alaska federal workers and contractors, along with essential funding, are currently facing a barrage of growing challenges that threaten the strength and stability of our state. Our family, friends, and neighbors who have dedicated their careers to serving our country, working on contracts to support our nation's priorities, or benefiting from federally funded programs to improve their lives are scared and confused. Critical federal dollars have been frozen, bringing community-driven projects and efforts to a standstill, while thousands of Alaska-based federal contractors are questioning whether or not they will be paid. Alaskan federal employees are being pressured to spy and report on their colleagues, relocate their families, and leave their jobs under the guise of a 'buyout.' Regardless of how they might feel about the federal government or which political party is in power, I'm hopeful that Sens. Dan Sullivan and Lisa Murkowski, and Rep. Nick Begich understand that a functioning federal government is essential for a functioning Alaska. The Alaska delegation can respond to these disruptions by urging President Trump to uphold existing laws, ensure clear communication, and protect Alaska's economic stability. Federal employees, contractors, and dollars are vital to a thriving Alaska. According to the Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development, the federal government employs over 15,000 Alaskans and, in 2023 (according to data from spent more than $3.8 billion on contracts across the state. Additionally, billions of federal dollars that fund locally led initiatives related to health care, education, energy, law enforcement, transportation, recreation, housing, habitat restoration, disaster relief, etc., have been frozen. Alaskans understand that federal employees, contractors, and dollars play a critical role in our communities. We see the on-the-ground results of these projects and share meals with these folks. Together, as Alaskans, we can stand up for our federal workers and dollars. The delegation has options to reign in executive overreach: Ensuring Alaskan families don't need to relocate by upholding the congressionally passed Telework Enhancement Act of 2010. Uphold the Impoundment Control Act and use congressional authority to immediately lift the freeze on federal grants and loans to prevent unnecessary funding delays, job losses, and legal challenges. Meet with Office of Personnel Management leadership and request an end to vague, government-wide email memorandums. Instead, encourage OPM to engage with career civil servants in crafting realistic reform procedures based on practical timelines, union contracts, and established law. By the end of the week, the Alaska delegation could write and publicly publish a joint letter to President Trump addressing these issues and outlining the steps they are taking. Ideally, those steps could include holding community town hall meetings to hear from impacted Alaskans and congressional hearings on President Trump's executive overreach. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX
