OPM Changes Operating Status For DC Area Federal Employees On Tuesday

WASHINGTON, DC — A day after heavy snow forced localities and the federal government to close offices in Washington, D.C., all federal offices will be open Tuesday with a three-hour delay.

Federal employees who are eligible may take unscheduled leave or unscheduled telework on Tuesday. Otherwise, all employees are expected to report to work within three hours of their scheduled arrival time, according to the Office of Personnel Management.

In addition, non-emergency employees will receive weather and safety leave for up to three hours on Tuesday to allow them to safely arrive on time.

Non-emergency employees who follow all applicable agency procedures and requirements and notify their supervisor, have the option to use one of the following, according to OPM:

1. earned annual leave, compensatory time off, credit hours, or sick leave, as appropriate;
2. leave without pay;
3. their flexible work schedule day off or rearrange their work hours under flexible work schedules; or
4. unscheduled telework.

All personnel who are considered emergency employees must report to their worksite on time unless directed otherwise by their agency.

Employees who are participating in a telework program, either regularly or on an ad hoc basis, may choose to telework rather than report to their worksite. However, they must be prepared to work or take unscheduled leave, paid time off, or any combination that equals a full workday. Weather and safety leave is not typically available to employees who are teleworking and don't report to a worksite.