The American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE), the largest federal employee union in the country, has called its internal staff back to the office in preparation for a battle against President-elect Donald Trump’s plans to roll back telework privileges for federal employees. The move has drawn criticism for perceived hypocrisy, as the union has long championed telework rights for government workers.
AFGE’s Office Return Directive
Starting in January, AFGE staff will be required to work in the office four days a week, reducing telework days from five to one per two-week period. AFGE National President Everett Kelley stated that the change is necessary to maximize operational effectiveness as the union prepares to confront policies from the Trump administration that could force federal employees back to in-person work full-time.
“We need to be at our best as we face unprecedented challenges to federal workforce protections,” Kelley said in a memo to staff. The directive underscores AFGE’s commitment to gearing up for intense negotiations and lobbying efforts under the incoming administration.
Accusations of Hypocrisy
AFGE’s new internal policy has sparked outrage among its own employees, represented by the Office & Professional Employees International Union (OPEIU) Local 2. The OPEIU filed a grievance, accusing AFGE of undermining the very telework policies it advocates for federal employees.
“It’s deeply ironic and hypocritical,” said Justin Perpich, an OPEIU representative. “AFGE demands telework flexibility for federal workers while imposing stricter in-office requirements on its own staff, the people negotiating for those very rights.”
Federal Telework in the Crosshairs
Telework for federal employees expanded significantly during the COVID-19 pandemic, leaving many federal buildings underutilized. Recent audits show occupancy in some government buildings is as low as 12%. President-elect Trump has criticized the widespread telework culture, pledging to end remote work for federal employees and requiring them to return to office-based roles full-time.
Trump’s hardline stance has already sparked concern among unions. AFGE recently secured a five-year agreement with the Social Security Administration to extend telework for SSA employees through 2029—a move hailed as a victory for worker flexibility but now scrutinized against AFGE’s own internal practices.
Preparing for a Political Battle
As Trump prepares to take office, AFGE is doubling down on its efforts to push back against changes that could impact its members. The union argues that telework improves productivity, reduces costs, and provides a better work-life balance for federal employees.
However, the internal mandate to reduce telework has placed AFGE in a difficult position. Critics say the decision undermines its credibility in advocating for remote work, while others see it as a necessary strategy to strengthen the union’s position in the upcoming policy fight.
The Path Forward
AFGE’s internal office return policy is emblematic of the broader challenges facing federal labor unions as they navigate shifting political priorities. With the Trump administration poised to enforce stricter workplace attendance policies, the union’s ability to advocate effectively for its members while addressing internal dissent will be a defining test of its leadership and strategy in the coming months.
Union Advocating Remote Work for Federal Employees Mandates Office Return for Its Own Staff to Fight Trump Policies appeared first on Real News Now.
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