Congressional Research Employees Association

The Legislative Branch Subcommittee of the House Appropriations Committee included report language in this year’s CRS appropriation requiring the Director of CRS to “adopt and implement” a more flexible telework system. CREA and CRS had negotiated a telework policy as part of the 2005 Collective Bargaining Agreement. However, the Director issued criteria governing its implementation that effectively discouraged its use. CREA asked the Subcommittee for assistance in its efforts to work with management on a more flexible system. The Subcommittee responded with the following language:

Telework and Flexwork schedules for CRS employees.–The Committee believes that modern workplaces should have in place staff management policies and systems which help the organization and its employees manage the complex balance between work and family. Telework systems can be a valuable tool in this effort and the Committee understands that the Library of Congress has in place a formal telework system. This LOC system is very flexible and recognizes that management and work needs must be met while also helping employees. The Committee understands, however, that CRS has resisted adoption of such a system despite its high level of flexibility. The Committee believes this view is antiquated and directs that CRS adopt and implement as soon as practicable a telework system modeled on the Library’s existing system. The Committee expects this new telework policy to be in effect not later than January 1, 2010.

The House has approved the bill. The Senate has not yet acted on its bill. However, CRS management has formed an internal management team to address the Subcommittee’s directive. CREA looks forward to working with the bargaining unit, management, and the Subcommittee in a consulatative fashion to help CRS adopt a more flexible telework system. CREA will keep the bargaining unit informed of the progress.