President-elect Donald Trump took aim at federal work-from-home policies, dismissing them as “ridiculous” during a news conference at Mar-a-Lago. Trump made it clear that his administration would not tolerate what he sees as a lack of accountability among federal employees. He didn’t mince words, warning that those who refuse to return to the office risk losing their jobs. Predictably, the statement drew swift backlash from federal employee unions, setting the stage for what could be a contentious battle over the future of telework in government.
The incoming administration’s push against remote work aligns with Trump’s broader focus on government efficiency, a mission spearheaded by his allies Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy. But the issue has also gained traction due to agreements forged under the Biden administration. For example, outgoing Social Security Administrator Martin O’Malley secured a deal with union leaders allowing telework arrangements for 42,000 employees to continue through 2029. This deal, cemented in the waning days of the Biden presidency, has become a lightning rod for criticism from conservatives who view it as yet another example of bloated bureaucracy digging in its heels.
Union leaders, unsurprisingly, are not taking Trump’s threats lying down. Everett Kelley, the national president of the American Federation of Government Employees, fired back, warning of potential legal action if the new administration attempts to overturn existing collective bargaining agreements. Kelley emphasized that these contracts are legally binding and enforceable, making it clear the union will not hesitate to defend them in court. With nearly 3 million federal employees nationwide, the stakes are high for both sides. But critics argue that unions are more interested in protecting the status quo than ensuring taxpayers get their money’s worth.
Kelley also sought to downplay the extent of federal telework, claiming that more than half of federal employees cannot work remotely due to the nature of their jobs. According to his estimates, only 10% of federal workers are fully remote, and hybrid workers spend over 60% of their time in the office. Critics, however, were quick to point out the flip side: this means a significant chunk of federal work hours—40% for hybrid workers—are still performed remotely. If one excludes employees like postal workers and maintenance staff, who are unable to telework, the percentage of remote work in federal agencies climbs even higher.
The debate over telework is particularly heated in Washington, D.C., where many federal employees have grown accustomed to remote or hybrid arrangements. Critics argue that the culture of remote work in the federal government undermines accountability and efficiency, while supporters claim it provides flexibility and improves work-life balance. As Trump prepares to take office, the clash over telework is shaping up to be a larger battle over the role of unions, government accountability, and the lingering impacts of pandemic-era policies. Whether federal workers are ready or not, it seems the days of cozy home offices may soon be coming to an end.
