USPTO Confirms Telework Protections for Unionized Employees Amid Federal Review

The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has confirmed that employees whose telework arrangements are protected by a collective bargaining agreement are not required to return to in-person work. This confirmation comes amidst instructions from the federal government for agencies to explore changes to such agreements. The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) is reportedly examining ways to modify these existing agreements across various agencies to align with evolving telework policies. For further details, the initial report can be accessed on Law360.