Story perspectives

Arbitrator Orders Forest Service Restore Telework for 20,000 Employees

7/14/2026

Summary

Story summary

Arbitrator Robert T. Simmelkjaer gave Forest Service 30 days to decide on appealing his ruling restoring telework for 20,000 employees.
He found the agency breached the 2010 Telework Enhancement Act, ordering reinstated telework, restored leave balances, and a notice of violation.
The Forest Service said the orders comply with President Donald Trump’s executive order.
The union pledged rapid implementation as employees confront relocations tied to a major reorganization.

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Story summary

Arbitrator Robert T. Simmelkjaer gave Forest Service 30 days to decide on appealing his ruling restoring telework for 20,000 employees.
He found the agency breached the 2010 Telework Enhancement Act, ordering reinstated telework, restored leave balances, and a notice of violation.
The Forest Service said the orders comply with President Donald Trump’s executive order.
The union pledged rapid implementation as employees confront relocations tied to a major reorganization.