Summary
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has stopped allowing remote work as a reasonable accommodation for employees with disabilities or temporary health issues. This policy change started on August 13, shortly after an attack on the CDC's headquarters. There are questions about whether this decision breaks the law that requires workplace accommodations for people with disabilities.
Key Facts
- The CDC no longer allows remote work for employees with disabilities or health issues.
- The policy change began five days after a shooting at the CDC's Atlanta headquarters.
- Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. dismissed CDC director Susan Monarez, and several senior scientists resigned.
- Officials in charge of handling accommodation requests were removed in April.
- CDC employees report receiving mixed messages about continuing remote work.
- The CDC is following a policy set by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and a previous executive order by President Trump.
- CDC staff feel unsafe returning to the office due to the recent shooting.
- The federal government traditionally employs more workers with disabilities than the private sector, and remote work had increased employment for people with disabilities after the pandemic.
