CDC backtracks on remote work ban for employees with disabilities

"Approved employees with qualifying disabilities and medical issues were previously allowed to work from home for the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and CDC if their condition demanded or justified it. However, a recent HHS telework policy issued on Aug. 13, but not enforced until Sept. 15, repealed that option in what the agencies described as compliance with President Donald Trump's return-to-work memorandum issued on Feb. 7, as previously reported by USA TODAY."

"In emails reviewed by USA TODAY, employees were told by the CDC Office of Human Resources (OHR) that the implementation of the new policy had been "put on hold" and employees could continue their telework agreements until further notice. One email from the OHR sent to CDC supervisors and management told them to hold off on taking immediate action on the policy announced last month as the CDC "seeks clarification" from HHS."

"USA TODAY had reached out to HHS and CDC for comment. Union president: 'Sweeping civil rights violation' Yolanda Jacobs, president of the American Federation of Government Employees Local 2883, one of the unions representing CDC staffers, said dozens of people who already had longstanding accommodations to work from home due to conditions like multiple sclerosis, compromised immune systems, or high-risk pregnancies, also had their existing, permanent approvals revoked the week of Sept. 15."

The CDC placed on hold a policy change that would have prohibited workers with disabilities from working from home as a reasonable accommodation. Approved employees with qualifying disabilities and medical issues had previously been allowed to telework when justified by their condition. An HHS telework policy issued Aug. 13 and enforced Sept. 15 repealed that option citing compliance with the Feb. 7 presidential return-to-work memorandum. As of Sept. 19 the CDC instructed staff to continue existing telework agreements while the agency seeks clarification from HHS. Union leaders reported dozens of permanent approvals were revoked the week of Sept. 15 and some staff were ordered to return immediately.

Read at USA TODAY