NTEU Briefed on Vaccine Policy; New Details Available 

NTEU was briefed last week on the new vaccine/testing policy for federal employees by representatives of the White House COVID-19 Task Force, the Office of Management and Budget, and the Office of Personnel Management. During the briefing, NTEU presented questions, concerns and feedback from members on the implementation of the policies.

Here is new information from the briefing: 

• The policy is not a vaccine mandate. Employees can attest that they are vaccinated or opt to be tested.

• Employees will be required to officially attest to their vaccination status, instead of providing documentary proof of their vaccination status.

• Agencies will be required to pay for unvaccinated employee testing. Unvaccinated individuals who must come into work at federal facilities may be tested once or twice a week depending on agency procedures. 

• Teleworking employees will be asked about their vaccination status but will not be required to be tested if they are not coming to the office.

• Agencies must continue to provide time off for employees to be vaccinated and to assist their family members in getting a vaccine.

• Agencies must seek approval for meetings, conferences or events of more than 50 persons.

The Safer Federal Workforce Task Force last week issued updated model safety principles for federal agencies that reflect the new policy. NTEU encourages employees to get vaccinated. At the same time, we will continue to push agencies to maximize telework and, in view of the resurgence in COVID cases, delay implementation of return to office plans.