FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 18, 2020
March 18, 2020
Contact:
Tim Kauffman
202-639-6405/202-374-6491
[email protected]
Administration Finally Taking Coronavirus Threat Seriously With Latest Guidance But More Must Be Done to Protect Federal Workers and Citizens, Union Says
Categories:
Coronavirus
AFGE calls for federal agencies to enact continuity of operations plans after administration mandates maximum employee telework, CDC safety protocols
WASHINGTON – American Federation of Government Employees National President Everett Kelley today issued the following statement:
“After taking piecemeal steps to address the coronavirus, the White House Office of Management and Budget on Tuesday finally issued a direct call for all agencies to maximize telework across the nation and to ensure steps are in place to restrict access to federal facilities.
“This is a move in the right direction – and one AFGE has advocated from the beginning to help protect the health and safety of employees and the general public – but more must be done. That’s why we are calling on all government agencies to enact their continuity of operations plans immediately to provide federal employees and the general public the maximum possible protection from the spread of the coronavirus.
“Some agencies have already taken corrective measures to stem the flow of this virus by initiating 100 percent telework for all workers, including at the Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Education. Other departments have failed to take the necessary steps, including at the Department of Veterans Affairs – where a lack of leadership at the top of the agency has left individual VA hospitals and facilities on their own.
“OMB has given agencies 48 hours to begin implementing CDC’s recommended safety procedures and policies. Our union stands ready to work with agencies to help them through this process and safeguard the health and safety of federal employees and the public.”
For the latest news and information about the coronavirus, visit www.afge.org/coronavirus.
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