Federal Employees Encouraged to Telework During Pope's Visit to DC

By MARY ANN BARTON (Patch Staff)

The federal government is encouraging managers at federal agencies to allow employees to telework during the upcoming visit by Pope Francis.

The Pope will visit the nation’s capital Tuesday, Sept. 22, to Thursday, Sept. 24.

Federal officials expect increased traffic, road closures, detours, crowded trains and buses, longer wait times at stops and stations and related commuting disruptions, according to a letter sent out by OPM to federal agencies.

Employees who ”can be spared from their duties” may also request to adjust their work schedule and use their alternative work schedule day off or take annual leave, leave without pay and/or previously earned comp time off or earned credit hours under a flexible work schedule, OPM noted in the letter.

Those who must commute? OPM advises those employees to take extra time going to and from work whether they’re driving or taking public transportation.

OPM is encouraging agencies to communicate with employees using hotlines and Website updates about any agency-specific issues surrounding the visit by the pontiff.

Employees with questions should contact their agency’s HR office, OPM advises.

SEE: Vatican Releases Pope’s Itinerary for D.C. Visit

PHOTO: Pope Francis; photo courtesy of The Vatican/L’Osservatore Romano