Negotiations have been completed around telework and remote work with our largest union representing bargaining unit employees in the Forest Service, the National Federation of Federal Employees—Forest Service Council, documented in the NFFE-FS Telework and Remote Work Memorandum of Understanding.

The new automated Telework Agreement Form, AD-3018, will be released Friday and is available through Connect HR. It will be used by supervisors and employees to document telework arrangements. The Telework User Guide and Supervisor Training Module are available on the HRM Telework and Remote Work webpage under Training and Resources to assist with completing the telework agreement.

What Employees Need to Know

All employees should refer to the Telework and Remote Work Departmental Regulation, DR 4080-811-002, for procedures related to telework and remote work. Bargaining unit employees that are represented by NFFE must also review and understand the NFFE-FS Telework and Remote Work Memorandum of Understanding. Bargaining unit employees can contact their local NFFE union representatives with any questions about the MOU. Employees may utilize the procedures in the Telework and Remote Work Departmental Regulation, DR 4080-811-002, for NFFE-represented positions; this MOU is to request changes to telework agreements and to request remote work arrangements.

What Supervisors Need to Know

Supervisors must become familiar with the Telework and Remote Work Departmental Regulation, DR 4080-811-002. Supervisors of employees who are represented by NFFE must also become familiar with the MOU.

Beginning May 6, supervisors must review the Telework Agreement Training Materials and initiate new telework agreements for their employees. For questions about the telework program or regulation, contact your unit telework coordinator, listed under “Contacts” on the HRM Telework and Remote Work webpage, or your servicing Labor Relations specialists with questions about the MOU. As indicated in a previous HRM Update, any requests to permanently change a telework designation to remote work will require elevation to your executive leaders. If circumstances are temporary in nature, or concerns are related to the number of days an employee can telework in a pay period, supervisors can resolve these at the lowest levels.

More Information

• HRM Telework and Remote Work webpage: Information on the Forest Service Remote and Telework programs.
• USDA Future of Work Toolkit: Departmental guidance for management and employees.
• Forest Service Pandemic and Re-Entry Resources: Forest Service guidance for management and employees.
• WEPO Hybrid Workplace Resources: Work Environment and Performance Office’s resources to support employees as we begin re-entering the physical workplace.

Help is available

Open an HR Help case:

1. Call: 1-877-372-7248, Press 2
2. Email: hrm_contact_center@usda.gov
3. Self-Service: ConnectHR > HR Help link

For detailed instructions, visit the HR Help How-to Add a Case Guide.