IRS Office OKs Remote Work During Outbreak—With Caveats

The IRS Office of Chief Counsel will allow employees worried about the new coronavirus to work remotely as long as they meet certain requirements, according to a summary of a briefing the office provided to a union representing its employees.

Employees who choose to start teleworking because of the threat of Covid-19 will have to obtain managerial approval, sign a one-year telework agreement as required by their 2018 collective bargaining agreement, and complete required telework training, the Office of Chief Counsel told the National Treasury Employees Union during a Thursday briefing.

“This means that the telework rules will apply to the employee for the duration of the 1-year telework agreement, including the rules requiring teleworkers to telework during office closures,” the IRS said, according to a summary of the briefing posted Friday.

The IRS didn’t immediately respond Friday to a request for comment on the policy.

If the Office of Personnel Management “issues new guidance, management will re-evaluate telework flexibilities in light of that guidance,” according to the summary.

Acting Office of Management and Budget Director Russell Vought, in a Thursday memo, said all federal departments and agencies are encouraged to maximize telework flexibilities to eligible workers who have been identified by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as being at higher risk for serious complications from coronavirus.

The NTEU represents more than 150,000 federal employees in 33 agencies, including the IRS. NTEU President Tony Reardon on Thursday accused the IRS of failing to take quick enough action to protect employees or offer a remote work option.

The Office of Chief Counsel also said if an employee or that person’s family member is subject to quarantine based on the direction of a public health authority, the employee will be entitled to administrative leave. The agency will follow CDC recommendations on directions to give employees traveling from high-risk countries, according to the briefing.