From Federal News Network (emphasis added):
The Social Security Administration remains on track to bring most of its employees back into the office on March 30, and plans to increase in-person service to the public, including walk-in service to customers without an appointment, starting in early April.
SSA leadership, however, anticipates higher than normal wait times for customers seeking assistance for at least the first month of the agency opening its doors to walk-in traffic.
SSA is looking to hire back retired employees on a temporary basis to assist with crowds expected to line up at its field offices once they accept walk-in customers. ...
The agency plans to hire retirees to work in field offices for up to 30 days, but may extend assignments depending on office needs.
Temporary hires will be paid at a GS-11 base rate of $74,074 a year, plus locality pay based on their location.
SSA retirees accepted for this work will also receive a dual compensation waiver, which will allow agency retirees to continue to draw their full monthly annuity and a full salary with no reduction.
The agency is also offering to cover travel expenses, including lodging and per diem costs, as needed, for SSA retirees who need to work further from home. ...
Eligible retirees must have retired from a non-bargaining unit position and under optional retirement to be eligible for this temporary work. ...
These temporary hires will help field office management oversee reception area operation and lines of visitors waiting for in-person service. SSA said this assignment may include working outside or in adjacent spaces to help manage “overflow lines.” ...
Christie Saunders, the president of the National Treasury Employees Union Chapter 224, said SSA has agreed to its employees to telework up to five days a week, at least through the end of a six-month evaluation period.
NTEU Chapter 224 represents attorneys and paralegals that work for SSA’s Office of Hearing Operations. ...
The American Federation of Government Employees Council 220, however, describes negotiations with SSA leadership that have been more contentious and less productive. ...
AFGE Council 220 Executive Vice President Bill Price said the agency, so far in meetings with the union, has “refused to agree to implement any of our proposed ideas” for a safe return to the office. ...