Amidst flooding, Washington area agencies open with unscheduled leave

Employees also have option for unscheduled telework.

Washington-area federal agencies are open Friday, but employees have the option of using unscheduled leave or unscheduled telework, according to the Office of Personnel Management.

The move comes as roads were closed in several areas in the metro area due to flooding resulting from heavy rains this week.

In its announcement, OPM noted:

Non-emergency employees must notify their supervisor of their intent to use unscheduled leave or unscheduled telework. Eligible employees may:

  • Use annual leave, earned compensatory time off, earned credit hours, or leave without pay; or
  • As permitted by their agency's policies, procedures, and collective bargaining agreements, telework from home on a non-telework day, if the employee has a telework agreement in place that is approved for unscheduled telework.

Employees scheduled to telework on the day of the announcement are expected to begin telework on time or request unscheduled leave.

Non-emergency employees may request supervisory approval to change their AWS day off or rearrange their work hours under a flexible work schedule.

Non-emergency employees may request sick leave if they meet the qualifying conditions under law, OPM regulations, and follow their agency's policies and procedures.

Emergency employees are expected to report to their worksite on time unless otherwise directed by their agencies.