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May 28, 2021

Saul On Telework

From: ^Commissioner Broadcast <Commissioner.Broadcast@ssa.gov>

Sent: Friday, May 28, 2021 1:30 PM

A Message to All SSA Employees

Subject:  Update on Telework

I want to begin to talk with you about the future of our operations post-pandemic.  First, let me make clear that this is a separate conversation from our current work during the pandemic.  For now, we continue to operate under our COVID-19 Workplace Safety Plan including maximum telework and office capacity limits.

Agencies across government have gained real-time telework experience since March 2020.  The pandemic forced us to implement new ways of doing business, which accelerated some positive changes and highlighted areas where we need to make additional improvements.  We have done a great job under difficult circumstances ensuring our key services continue.  Still, there are areas where we are falling behind.

Part of the reason for service degradation could be inefficiency in business processes due to the temporary but necessary changes we made during the pandemic.  For example, requiring the public to mail in important documents like drivers’ licenses for a Social Security card is not sustainable, but iSSNRC and video and express appointments will help address that workload.  We also know that not all work is portable and some members of the public, in particular our vulnerable populations, are best served in person.

The pandemic provides us a unique opportunity to build a new normal that improves public service.  A part of that opportunity is to reconsider how we use telework.  As a result, I have asked each component’s Deputy Commissioner (DC) to reassess telework opportunities within your components considering all we have learned during the last year. Generally, we expect to increase telework opportunities from our pre-pandemic levels. We will also be seeking input from the unions and meeting any applicable labor obligations.

Public service must remain the key driver, but issues like employee retention, recruitment, morale, space savings, continuity of government operations, and the environment will also inform our decisions.  Additionally, we are participating in a government-wide initiative about the future of work, which will guide our decisions including when more employees will return to the office.

We will continue to follow the Administration’s science-driven lead on operating during the pandemic, and I will continue to share new information with you as we receive it.  At the same time, we must plan for how the agency can best perform in the future.

I appreciate that telework is important to you and for your ability to plan in your personal lives so I wanted to take a moment to let you know we are working on it. Thanks again for all you are doing to be sure we take care of the people who depend on us.

Andrew Saul

Commissioner

12 comments:


  1. Commissioner Saul appears to have completely abandoned his former right wing, hard line, no telework dictates.

    Likely he realizes that was a mistake, doing what he did to SSA employees.
    Also the pandemic forced him to change his views, and perhaps seeing all the good work that was done by SSA employees while teleworking.

    Better late than never.

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  2. "Generally, we expect to increase telework opportunities from our pre-pandemic levels. We will also be seeking input from the unions and meeting any applicable labor obligations.

    Public service must remain the key driver, but issues like employee retention, recruitment, morale, space savings, continuity of government operations, and the environment will also inform our decisions."

    Even dinosaurs like Andrew Saul recognize that telework is a thing now. Yes, if presence is required to do a job, then bring everyone to the workplace every day. If not, employers should be flexible if they want to retain and recruit good employees. Bottom line: Telework or remote work is here to stay!

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  3. "some members of the public, in particular our vulnerable populations, are best served in person."

    If by vulnerable, Saul means people susceptible to COVID, then this statement makes no sense at all.

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  4. @756 I think he means people that want to file for SSI. I have yet to meet someone filing for SSI that doesn't have a smart phone.

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  5. Never let a good crisis go to waste

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  6. People who need to file for SSI often do have smart phones. But do they have unlimited minutes? They either have a budget plan or a relative footing the bill for them,and said relative usually does not pay for unlimited minutes. Ever wonder why people text so much? It's because texting is usually free, calls are not. But you can't text an SSI interview.

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  7. A good, reasonable summary to move forward on. But what is meant by " Additionally, we are participating in a government-wide initiative about the future of work,"?

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  8. "Generally, we expect to increase telework opportunities from our pre-pandemic levels. "

    That's not saying much since Operations Overtime (PSC,Telework,FO) was cut to nothing in November 2019.
    And remained at zero even in early 2020, even while other SSA components got some telework days back.

    So even if we got 1 day per pay period (two weeks), telework that would be an increase over the pre-pandemic level which was nothing.

    I could not accept that at this stage of my career. I will retire rather than resume commuting.

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  9. This has nothing to do with Saul changing his mind and everything to do with his Chief of Staff being replaced by a pro-union guy against his will.

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  10. Seems like Saul is a boss pleaser. Trump hates federal workers, no telework. Biden likes federal workers, maximum telework.

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  11. Saul (Read Gruber) wants to eliminate i-person hearings as much as possible, if not completely.

    They have never liked or trusted ALJs to schedule hearings or issue decisions in an efficient or timely manner, perhaps with some reason.

    While there may remain a place for telephone/video hearings going forward, as there was a place for them during the pandemic, the opportunity to be seen and heard in person by a real live Administrative Law Judge, for all their failings, is still the best way to adjudicate disability claims.

    For anyone that has ever taken part ins hearing before an ALJ, there is a level of fairness and opportunity to be heard that is simply lost when it is not in person.

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  12. @7:48:

    I agree in person Hearings before independent ALJ’s is the best way to conduct Disability Hearings. It’s a no brainer in most cases. This is yet another reason POTUS or White House must address the situation at SSA with Saul & Black, Trump Appointees, and the importance of their removal, as well as others.

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