Telework Changes Ahead: What to Expect
On February 20, VA notified the Union of the impending termination of telework and remote work agreements for bargaining unit employees. On May 5, 2025, all remote and telework agreement for employees whose ODS is within 50 miles of a Federal office space will be terminated, and on July 28, 2025, when all remote and telework agreements for employees whose ODS is outside 50 miles of a Federal office space will be terminated.
Not all agreements will be terminated on May 5(with current official duty stations within 50 miles of a Federal office space) or July 28(those with current official duty stations outside 50 miles of a Federal office space). Per the bulletin, there are exemptions and possible temporary extensions of time that can be granted and the following policy exceptions for employees whose arrangements will not be modified unless there is a basis:
- military spouses with existing and new remote work arrangements
- spouses of U.S. Foreign Service members on overseas assignment
- existing and new DETO arrangements
- employees with remote and telework arrangements approved as a reasonable accommodation, including interim accommodations, due to a disability or qualifying medical condition
Obviously, there are a lot more questions raised than answered by this notification that we don’t yet have the answers to. For example, we do not yet know whether “Federal office space” means VA office space or any federal office space. We note that this bulletin also neglects to provide information on how Federal office space will be located for employees or how employees will be notified about where they will go.
For more details on the upcoming VA telework changes, you can access the following important documents. The OCHCO Bulletin – Return to In-Person Work Implementing Guidance outlines key policies, responsibilities, and deadlines for transitioning back to office-based work. The OPM Telework Code Translation Table helps clarify the different types of telework agreements and their corresponding VA codes. Additionally, the VA Memo – Return to In-Person Work provides further information into revisions of the VA Handbook 5011 and Telework and Remote Work Arrangements. Click below to download each document and stay informed.
As we get more information, we will be sure to share it. Please visit the AFGE Local 17 website regularly for updates.
