WASHINGTON, Jan. 13 (UPI) -- The head of the nation's largest independent federal union Thursday urged agencies to give employees schedule flexibility on the day before the inauguration.
The inauguration is Jan. 20, but pre-inauguration activities begin next Wednesday.
In a letter to the heads of agencies where the National Treasury Employees Union is the collective bargaining representative, NTEU President Colleen Kelley called for "wide latitude" for federal employees in downtown locations.
A major pre-inaugural event is scheduled near the White House beginning at 4 p.m.
Kelley said it is likely that the event will generate "major delays" for federal workers at the normal end of the workday Wednesday stemming from the large number of out-of-town visitors and increased security efforts.
She asked agency heads to consider dismissing non-essential employees "as early as is feasible" next Wednesday and that they inform employees of their decision "as quickly as possible so they can make appropriate plans."
As the largest independent federal union, NTEU represents 150,000 employees in 30 agencies and departments.
