Unscheduled Leave/Telework for D.C. Feds Tuesday

OPM is trying to get out ahead of the weather this time, already announcing unscheduled leave and telework for Washington-area employees tomorrow. The full message:

The following message applies only to Tuesday, February 1, 2011

A storm system approaching the National Capital Region later this evening is not expected to affect evening commutes, but will continue through Wednesday. Conditions will be highly variable and may include ice, sleet, and freezing rain. To protect the safety of Federal workers and our community, maintain continuity of operations and assist employees in planning accordingly, we are announcing for Tuesday, February 1 the option for unscheduled leave/telework.

Now is the time for managers and employees to discuss the possibility of working from home tomorrow. Uncertain weather conditions could extend through Wednesday. OPM will update the operating status as needed and appropriate. This may include a delayed arrival on Tuesday morning. OPM will continue to monitor conditions closely and will make that decision as soon as possible. Please follow your local news and www.opm.gov/status closely for updates.

"The safety of Federal employees and our community is our top priority," said OPM Director John Berry. "This early announcement gives employees and managers the flexibility to stay safe and keep our government working."

Non-emergency employees must notify their supervisor of their intent to use unscheduled leave or unscheduled telework. Eligible employees may:

• Use annual leave, earned compensatory time off, earned credit hours, or leave without pay; or
• As permitted by their agency's policies, procedures, and collective bargaining agreements, telework from home on a non-telework day, if the employee has a telework agreement in place that is approved for unscheduled telework.
• Employees scheduled to telework on the day of the announcement are expected to begin telework on time or request unscheduled leave.

Non-emergency employees may request supervisory approval to change their AWS day off or rearrange their work hours under a flexible work schedule.

Non-emergency employees may request sick leave if they meet the qualifying conditions under law, OPM regulations, and follow their agency's policies and procedures.

Emergency employees are expected to report to their worksite on time unless otherwise directed by their agencies.