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The Honorable DerekKilmer
U.S. House of Representatives
1410 Longworth House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515
The Honorable Mazie K. Hirono
U.S. Senate
713 Hart Senate Office Building
Washington, DC 20510
Re: Federal Worker Leave Fairness Act (H.R. 8457 and S. 4777)
Dear Representative Kilmer and Senator Hirono:
On behalf of the Professional Managers Association – the non-profit professional association that has, since 1981, represented professional managers, management officials, and non-bargaining unit employees at theInternal Revenue Service (IRS) – I write to express our support of the FederalWorker Leave Fairness Act, which would allow all federal workers to carry over any accrued leave in excess of the current 240-hour limit. As IRS employees work to provide essential taxpayer services through the coronavirus responses, we appreciate your leadership on this important issue.
Since the coronavirus pandemic began, IRS employees have played a critical role in providing relief to the American people, most notably through the deliverance of economic impact payments to millions of Americans. Despite reduced funding levels and human capital challenges, IRS employees have worked tirelessly through atypical conditions to continue fulfilling their mission.
Many employees have been required to work onsite to provide taxpayer services but have not been deemed essential as defined by the Office of PersonnelManagement (OPM) in their interim rule, Scheduling of Annual Leave by EmployeesDetermined Necessary to Respond to Certain National Emergencies on August 10,2020. While these employees may be encouraged to take leave, they often face realistic barriers to doing so such as providing a critical government service for taxpayers, the need to limit exposure to COVID-19, or following state and local restrictions to limit the spread of the virus.
The Federal Worker Leave Fairness Act would provide much-needed relief for federal workers who have continued to serve taxpayers during these unprecedented times. For employees faced with the impossible decision of choosing between public service and their health, this legislation provides a realistic solution to ensure these dedicated individuals are able to retain the accrued leave they have earned.
For IRS managers, this legislation also serves as a valuable management to ensure employees are not penalized for remaining in the office during this, or any future, national pandemic.
Thank you for considering PMA’s perspective. Please contact PMA’s WashingtonRepresentative Natalia Castro (ncastro@shawbransford.com) if you wish to further discuss PMA’s views on this subject.
Sincerely,
Chad Hooper
President
Professional Managers Association
