Bill Seeks to Standardize Federal Telework Requests, Create Appeals Process

A new bill aims to standardize the telework request process for federal employees and establish an appeals process for requests that are denied. 

The Federal Telework Protection Act was introduced by Rep. Suhas Subramanyam (D-VA).

Under the legislation, federal employees would submit telework requests to their immediate supervisor who would then weigh the decision against factors like job duties, medical conditions, caregiving, and commuting time.

If a supervisor doesn’t issue a decision within 90 days, the telework request would automatically be granted until a final decision is issued.  Supervisors could also provide 10 to 15 days of emergency telework for employees with urgent medical conditions while official telework requests are pending approval.

In addition, the bill creates an appeals process if an employee is denied a telework request, preserves telework agreements for bargaining unit employees, protects privacy for employees who telework due to medical reasons, and requires federal agencies to publicly share telework policies on their websites. 

“I am proud to introduce commonsense legislation that makes our government more effective, makes it easier to recruit the best and brightest to the federal workforce, and protects the hardworking Americans who have dedicated their careers to service,” said Rep. Subramanyam.

The bill has five cosponsors and support from federal employee unions who say telework supports the workforce, reduces attrition, and is a valuable recruitment tool. 

Ongoing Telework Disputes

The bill comes as President Trump directed most federal employees to return to in-person work five days a week. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) data shows that full-time telework and remote-work hours fell more than 75 percent between January and October 2025.

Meanwhile, third-party arbitrators have ruled in favor of unions in disputes over agency telework policies. Several agencies have appealed those decisions to the Federal Labor Relations Authority.

The administration argues that returning employees to the office improves accountability and productivity.