General

There may be a number of topics an agency may be asked to collectively bargain over in connection with directing employees to return to the worksite. Some topics that may come up include, but are not limited to, the following:

• How much advance notice will employees be provided before they are required to return to the office?
• How will any decision to return to the office be communicated to the workforce?
• What safety measures will be established to help protect the workforce when returning to the work location and how will they be implemented?
• What options are available to employees who are telework eligible and otherwise interested in continuing to telework on a greater basis?
• Will the agency be able to provide assistance to employees on dependent care issues?
• What transit subsidies or parking benefits will be available to employees directed to return to agency worksites?
• What steps will the agency take to enforce new safety requirements?

These are some examples of issues that may come up through the collective bargaining process. In light of this, agencies are strongly encouraged to take the necessary time to work with their unions to address any issues that come up. Agencies should consult with offices of human resources and agency legal counsel to determine appropriate labor relations obligations.