NCUA to Allow Workers to Return to Offices on Voluntary Basis
The NCUA will allow workers back in offices, signaling a return to normalcy at the top of the credit union industry, but certain safeguards will remain.
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The move signals progress towards a return to normalcy at the top of the credit union industry, however certain safeguards will remain in place.
Starting April 11, the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) will allow employees to resume on-site work on a voluntary basis, according to sources familiar with the Agency’s policy.
While regional or office directors may solicit volunteers willing to work on-site, they may not apply pressure on any employee to do so. Agency officials have stressed that there will be no negative consequences for any employee who does not wish to work on-site.
Regulations Will Vary by Location
In counties with a high Centers for Disease Control (CDC) COVID-19 Community Level, employees will be permitted to work on-site with approval of the office or regional director.
Employees who are not fully vaccinated against the virus must have a negative COVID-19 test prior to working on-site in a county with a high coronavirus community level.
The NCUA has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the National Treasury Employees Union, the labor union representing many Agency employees. That memorandum states that field staff should continue to conduct off-site examinations if they can be completed efficiently and effectively.
The memorandum also states that before planning on-site exam activity, employees should be cognizant of available workspace and make every reasonable effort to maintain six-foot physical distancing while working on-site.
Some Mask Rules Will Remain in Effect
Masks will be required in counties with high COVID-19 rates, if required by the federal, state, or local governments or when required by the credit union in which the employee is working, according to the policy.
Federal employees are not required to be fully vaccinated pending resolution of a nationwide injunction. However, vaccination status or a negative COVID-19 test result must be reported before resuming on-site work.
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