H.R.107 - Return to Work Act (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R. 107, the "Return to Work Act," aims to reinstate telework policies in Executive agencies to those in place on December 31, 2019. The bill mandates that agency heads reinstate these policies within 60 days of the Act's enactment. It also stipulates that the reinstated telework policies will supersede any conflicting telework provisions in existing collective bargaining or employment agreements.
Expected Effects
The primary effect of this bill would be a shift back to pre-pandemic telework arrangements for federal employees. This could impact employee morale, productivity, and the operational efficiency of Executive agencies. It could also lead to renegotiations of collective bargaining agreements.
Potential Benefits
- Potentially reduces federal office space costs.
- May improve work-life balance for some federal employees.
- Could increase employee satisfaction in agencies where telework is desired.
- Might reduce commuting and associated environmental impact.
- Could provide flexibility for employees with caregiving responsibilities.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential decrease in collaboration and innovation due to reduced in-person interaction.
- Possible difficulties in monitoring employee productivity and performance.
- May negatively impact local businesses that rely on federal employee foot traffic.
- Could create inequities among employees based on job roles and telework eligibility.
- Potential conflicts with existing collective bargaining agreements.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The bill appears to be constitutionally sound. Article I, Section 8, Clause 18 grants Congress the power to make all laws which shall be necessary and proper for carrying into execution the foregoing powers, and all other powers vested by this Constitution in the government of the United States, or in any department or officer thereof. This gives Congress broad authority to manage the operations of the Executive branch. The bill does not appear to infringe on any individual rights or liberties protected by the Constitution or its amendments.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).