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Security Levels
Telework Act
FLAG VOICE 333
On June 7th, DHS Under Secretary Rafael Borras sent a memorandum to
all DHS employees regarding the Telework Enhancement Act of 2010 (PL
111-292). This Act, which was signed into law by President Obama on 9
December 2010, has the goal of increasing telework usage among eligible
employees. The Act also requires agencies to establish telework policies,
determine eligibility for participation in telework, and notify employees of
their eligibility to telework. Clearly, Telework will be a feature of
tomorrow’s workplace and the Coast Guard is committed to its implementation.
Under Secretary Borras’ memorandum serves as the Department of
Homeland Security’s (DHS) official notification to DHS employees of the
basic telework eligibility requirements.
CG-12 is working with DHS as members of the Telework Enhancement Act Task
Force charged with developing the departmental policy. CG-12 is also
revising its current policy guidance to comply with both the requirements of
the Act and the revised DHS Telework Directive presently under review by
Task Force members.
A Coast Guard working group consisting of CG-1, CG-4 and CG-6 representation
is also being chartered by DCMS. The working group will review the
requirements of the Act and determine how to best implement in the Coast
Guard.
Coast Guard Supervisors are encouraged to refer to current policy guidance
in COMDTINST 12630.1 for information about determining eligible positions
for telework (see link below). Additional information regarding specific
eligibility criteria applicable to individual components will be forthcoming
as DHS and the Coast Guard continues to review current telework policies in
light of the Act.
Unfortunately, our CG IT infrastructure is currently not able to handle a
large influx of additional teleworkers. CG-6 is diligently working on a
technical solution and will provide further details as they are developed.
In addition to eligibility determinations and notification requirements, the
Act mandates training for all new teleworkers and their supervisors
prior to
entering into a telework agreement. Therefore, the training is mandatory for
all supervisors of teleworkers, both current and new. Additionally, all
teleworkers must have an approved telework agreement in place whether
teleworking regularly or occasionally, and, for civilian teleworkers,
documenting the telework hours in WebTA.
Links to the current Instruction, COMDTINST 12630.1, Coast Guard
Telecommuting Program, PL 111-292, Telework Enhancement Act of 2010, OPM
Guide to Telework in the Federal Government - April 2011, and training
resources for supervisors and employees (at Telework.gov) may be found on
the Civilian Human Resources Telework webpage:
http://www.uscg.mil/civilianHR/benefits/telework.asp.
Questions may be directed to my CG-1 POC and Program Manager for the Coast
Guard Telework Program, Mr. Ron Coleman, CG-1213, on (202) 475-5321.
Thank you!
Rear Admiral
Ronald T. Hewitt
RONALD T. HEWITT
Rear Admiral, U. S. Coast Guard
Assistant Commandant for Human Resources
Issue date: 6/8/11
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