SSA is denying excepted workers' time off and telework requests, seemingly defying shutdown guidance

"Guidance from the Office of Personnel Management governing federal employees' pay and benefits during appropriations lapses, last updated Sept. 28, stipulates that while scheduled leave is cancelled at the start of a government shutdown, agencies should grant excepted employees, who are forced to work without pay until funding is restored, access to episodic telework or be temporarily placed in a furlough status if they need time off."

"While excused from performing excepted duties, the employee will be placed in furlough status unless the employee elects to use paid leave . . . However, if an excepted employee needs to be absent from work for brief periods, agencies are encouraged to explore the use of workplace flexibilities such as alternative work schedules and telework to accommodate the employee's need to be absent. If use of workplace flexibilities is not appropriate for the situation,"

Social Security Administration is denying employees working during the government shutdown access to days off and other workplace flexibilities. Some employees are struggling to afford their commute to work. Office of Personnel Management guidance updated Sept. 28 states scheduled leave is cancelled at shutdown start but agencies should grant excepted employees episodic telework or place them in furlough status if they need time off. OPM encourages alternative work schedules and telework for brief absences or use of paid leave. Union officials report the agency is placing workers in absence without leave status, denying backpay and risking discipline or termination.

Read at Nextgov.com