ATF, NTEU REACH AGREEMENT ON TELEWORKING
Accord Will Expand Telework Program to Bargaining Unit Employees

WASHINGTON -- The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) announced today that it has reached an agreement with the National Treasury Employees Union (NTEU) that will allow industry operations investigators, who inspect firearms and explosives licensees and assist in criminal investigations, as well as forensic auditors and others to “telework,” or work from other than their traditional offices.

Under the accord, the investigators, who comprise the majority of the bargaining unit, will be able to perform related duties from an alternative worksite, including their homes. They will still be required to go to the office for meetings, planning sessions, training or other matters as necessary.

“ATF views this agreement as a win-win for its employees and the bureau,” said ATF Deputy Director Edgar Domenech. “Our industry operations investigators perform approximately 70 percent of their work out of the office, and this will give them increased flexibility. The agreement we have forged with NTEU also recognizes the increase in performance that telework brings to the 21st Century workplace.”

The agreement also will allow other bargaining unit employees to telework to varying degrees. However, Legal Instruments Examiners and ATF Specialists are not currently authorized to telework, and the parties will address that issue in future discussions.

More information on ATF and its programs is at www.atf.gov.

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