Federal workers are being encouraged to work from home or take time off if possible from Sept. 22-24, when Pope Francis visits Washington, D.C., and addresses a joint session of Congress.
The Office of Personnel Management, the agency that allowed hackers to steal information on 22.1 million current, former and prospective government workers, said federal employees should try to avoid the expected crowd coming to see the pope if they can. OPM predicted big increases in traffic and road closures, as well as crowded buses and trains.
The agency said having thousands of extra government officials in the city would only make it harder for law enforcement to keep control of the situation.
“To help alleviate traffic congestion and minimize distraction to law enforcement and security officials, agencies are urged to permit employees to use their workplace flexibility options,” OPM said.
“Accordingly, OPM strongly encourages agencies to allow employees to telework to keep the government operating while helping to minimize traffic congestion and support law enforcement efforts during this event,” it added.
OPM also went one step further by saying workers should take time off if they can.
“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 compensatory time off or earned credit hours under a flexible work schedule,” it said.
Any government workers who decide to brave the papal crowds should expect longer commute times, OPM warned.
“Employees are encouraged to monitor local news media for announcements on street closures for vehicular and pedestrian traffic, closures or disruptions to public transportation, building closures, or any possible changes to the Washington, D.C., area federal government operating status,” it said. “Agencies should use all the communications tools they have in place, such as hotlines and website updates, to inform employees of any relevant, agency-specific issues.”
OPM said as of this week, the government plans to remain “open” while the pope is in town, but indicated that could change. “Any major changes affecting Federal employees and agencies will be announced by local media,” it said.
