IRS Issues Evacuation Order Ahead of Stimulus Response
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is preparing to administer the largest stimulus package in US history--remotely. In a notice to all employees this week, the Chief Human Capital Officer (CHCO) from the service directed all employees, regardless of telework eligibility, to work remotely to the maximum extent possible.
The announcement explains, “Unless you are directed by your supervisor, we encourage you to stay in the safety of your telework location. Beginning Monday, March 30, building access will be restricted to pick up items like work assignments, mail related to your assigned work, and supplies, and to those performing functions that must continue during the national emergency and can only be performed on-site. Employees who must continue to come into the office to complete mission-critical duties that can't be performed remotely will receive additional guidance from your supervisor.”
The notice included a Frequently Asked Questions and an If/Then Sheet for further guidance. The Federal News Network obtained the internal all-staff email announcing the plan.
Chad Hooper, President of the Professional Managers Association (PMA)- a professional association representing IRS managers and non-collective bargaining unit eligible employees- responded to the notice with concern that not enough information was given to managers.
“This provides managers with a significant amount of discretion and very little direction,” Hooper explained in a statement. “Instructing employees to work from home as much as possible is a good decision, but additional guidance is needed to ensure managers are not placed in a position to make impossible calls regarding the health and safety of their workforce.”
The National Treasury Employees Union, in an internal memo reported on Federal News Network, told its members that the IRS had briefed the union about its plans to invoke the evacuation notice.
“We know that this evacuation order will cause employees concern, particularly those who have reasonable accommodations or whose homes are not suitable for telework, including the lack of Internet access,” NTEU wrote. “[The Office of Personnel Management’s] guidance on issuing an evacuation order is clear that the order does not relieve agencies of their reasonable accommodation obligations, and the IRS said that it will continue the reasonable accommodation measures at their homes.”
In the FAQs, the IRS explained, “Your manager should give you work assignments as needed to ensure you have work to complete during the time you’re working from home. You may be assigned any work without consideration to grade, level or title if you have the necessary knowledge and skills to complete assignments.”
PMA President Hooper highlighted the need for employees to work together in his statement, stating, “As our nation teeters on the brink of an economic crisis, the IRS will be its lifeblood. It will require the dedication of every able employee within the Service to come together, metaphorically speaking, and work to ensure our nation has the resources it requires during these times… In the coming weeks, the American people are going to rely on the IRS workforce more than ever and we must be well equipped to do our important mission.”
